Paved roads boost access, tourism in Jordan

The concrete roads undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Guimaras District Engineering Office are now providing easier travel to remote communities and tourist destinations in Jordan, Guimaras.

The PHP 19.6 million project along the Sta. Teresa-Sinapsapan Road involved the construction of a 255-linear-meter Portland cement concrete pavement road in Barangay Sinapsapan, including concrete slope protection and steel slope protection to help prevent soil erosion and landslides.

Funded under the fiscal year 2025 General Appropriations Act through a convergence program with the Department of Tourism, the project also includes metal guardrails and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

According to District Engineer Randolfo A. Melosantos, paving the road will ensure safer and more convenient access to tourist destinations on the island, including Isla Naburot, Ave Maria Islet, Cabaling Cave, Higante Cave and the Jordan Marine Turtle Sanctuary, among others.

Meanwhile, the 1.028-lane-kilometer Portland cement concrete pavement road in Barangay Lawi is providing more reliable access to remote communities.

Amounting to PHP 11.8 million, the road concreting project also includes solar LED lights, metal guardrails, road safety and warning signs, and markers, benefiting motorists and pedestrians.

The road project is also expected to strengthen the route’s capacity against flooding and high water, helping avoid disruptions in transport and the delivery of goods during calamities.

“Building quality road is significant towards overall improvement and economic development of the country. Thus, these concrete roads built in Jordan, Guimaras are vital towards enhanced accessibility, travel safety and convenience, and access to basic health and social services, improving the quality of life of the people,” Melosantos said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways’ fiscal year 2025 infrastructure program for Western Visayas includes road projects in Barangay Lawi, Jordan, Guimaras, underscoring the government’s push to improve mobility and connectivity in island communities. (DPWH)