New Concrete Road in Zarraga Boosts Agriculture, Trade

ZARRAGA, Iloilo – A newly completed concrete road in Zarraga, Iloilo, is enhancing connectivity and boosting agricultural development in remote communities.

The PHP9.649-million project, undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, connects Barangay Balud Liloan and Barangay Balud II with a 723-lineal meter, two-lane Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) road.

The project also includes earthworks, subbase and base courses, drainage systems, slope protection structures, and a bridge.

DPWH 6 Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel, citing a report from District Engineer Mario G. Soriano, said the improved road provides direct access to rice fields and other agricultural production areas.

Farmers in Zarraga can now transport their products more efficiently to the market, ensuring better income opportunities.

“This road will serve as the primary access for commuters, residents, and farmers, providing faster and more convenient transportation of products and services from farms to the market,” Oropel said.

“It will also allow for easier delivery of basic government services, even to remote areas in the town,” he added.

Soriano noted that since the road traverses agricultural lands, its improvement will significantly benefit rice and vegetable farmers, as well as livestock raisers.

“With this improved road, travel time and transport costs for agricultural products will be reduced,” he said.

“It will also lower vehicle operating costs, ultimately increasing farmers’ income,” he added.

Soriano emphasized that road infrastructure plays a critical role in economic development by providing people with better access to essential services and economic opportunities.

“Road concreting is our vital contribution to economic growth, ensuring convenient access to resources and helping improve the quality of life for our communities,” he said.

Local roads serve as essential links, connecting communities to markets and commercial centers.

Without proper road infrastructure, farmers would struggle to distribute their products, impacting food production and economic growth.

To ensure better connectivity and economic progress, DPWH continues to implement key road projects that support faster transportation and easier access to government services.