Improved roads boost access and livelihood in Ilog

BACOLOD CITY – The once challenging journey to Barangay Balicotoc in Ilog, Negros Occidental has become smoother and more convenient, thanks to the recent road improvements by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The DPWH-Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office successfully paved two key road sections in Barangay Balicotoc. One section lies along Purok Taysikan, while the other connects Barangay Balicotoc to the neighboring Barangay Tabu.

DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel emphasized that these road improvement projects aimed to ease the daily struggles of residents, particularly farmers who had difficulty transporting their products to the market.

“These road improvements present a firm advantage for agricultural communities in rural areas who used to suffer from muddy roads during the rainy season and dusty conditions when dry. Farmers can now transport their products to the market more quickly and at a lower cost, allowing them to earn more for their families,” RD Oropel said.

He also highlighted the broader impact of these projects, noting, “Equally significant is the easier access to social, health, medical, education, and other basic government services, bringing the government closer to the people, even in remote areas.”

District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo echoed these sentiments, noting that the enhanced connectivity provided by the new roads will facilitate economic development by improving the transportation of goods and services, thus boosting trade and commerce in the area.

“These roads provide smoother and faster transport of agricultural products from farms to the market, reduce transportation costs, and ensure that fresh produce reaches consumers easily,” DE Gustilo said.

He further elaborated on the benefits, stating, “The improved roads also offer easier access to agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and equipment, enabling farmers to reach distant markets with greater ease and improving productivity and efficiency in their agricultural output.”

The road project in Purok Taysikan, costing ₱23.87 million, involved the paving of a 1.8-kilometer, 2-lane Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) road, complete with grouted riprap for slope protection and a 610-millimeter Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culvert (RCPC) for cross drainage.

Similarly, the ₱18.56-million project connecting Barangay Balicotoc to Barangay Tabu included the construction of a 1.03-kilometer, 2-lane PCCP road. The project also featured grouted riprap for slope protection, stone masonry for line canals, a pipe culvert for cross drainage, and the installation of solar LED lights for the safety of motorists, residents, and road users.

These infrastructure improvements are expected to have a lasting impact on the community by enhancing access, improving livelihoods, and fostering economic growth in this rural part of Negros Occidental.  (DPWH)