Improved Road in Iloilo Town Boosts Mobility

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is enhancing accessibility to far-flung areas in New Lucena, Iloilo, making mobility of people, goods, and services easier and more cost-efficient.

DPWH 6 Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel said the newly paved road contributes significantly to local economic development and growth, providing easier access to basic services and economic opportunities for an improved quality of life.

“Paving this road will provide riding comfort and reduce the impact of floods when heavy rains occur. Transporting agricultural products from farms in remote areas to the market will be faster and less costly,” Oropel said.

“This road will greatly benefit local residents, especially rice and vegetable farmers, and animal raisers, as it traverses rice fields and other agricultural lands,” he added.

The DPWH, through the Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, paved a portion of Sitio Cabunga in Barangay Poblacion, connecting residential and agricultural areas.

The PHP 5.88-million project, funded under the FY 2024 Basic Infrastructure Program, involved constructing a 327-lineal-meter, two-lane Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) road, including a slope protection structure.

District Engineer Mario G. Soriano said the concrete road will provide residents with easier and more comfortable access to social, health, economic, and other government services.

“With this concrete road, government services can now reach even the remote areas of this town. People from these communities can easily access educational, social, and health facilities in town and neighboring Iloilo City,” Soriano noted.

Soriano emphasized that building better local roads is crucial for economic development, as it facilitates the movement of goods and services while reducing transportation costs and time. This can lead to increased trade, commerce, and investment, ultimately contributing to a stronger local economy.

As part of its contribution to local development, the DPWH continues to implement significant road projects that connect rural communities, improving transportation and access to essential government services. (DPWH)