Paved roads improve mobility in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently completed two critical road projects aimed at boosting mobility and fostering local development in the towns of Toboso and Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental.

The projects, with a combined cost of PHP 48.9 million, are expected to enhance accessibility in remote areas and support local economic growth.

In Toboso, the DPWH’s Negros Occidental Sub-District Engineering Office spearheaded the improvement of a 4.89-lane-kilometer, two-lane road, part of a PHP 38.9 million initiative.

The project involved laying a 50-millimeter thick Bituminous Concrete Surface Wearing Course, which will not only prolong the road’s lifespan but also provide a smoother, faster commute for motorists.

“This will significantly enhance the daily commute of our residents, ensuring safer and more efficient travel. It is a vital step towards better connectivity and accessibility to the remote areas,” said Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel of the DPWH.

The road in Toboso is expected to facilitate easier access to government centers, schools, and other key establishments in the region.

Oropel emphasized the project’s importance in improving the quality of life for locals and its role in local trade, stating, “The new roads will open up new opportunities for local businesses and residents, fostering economic growth and development in the area.”

Meanwhile, in Don Salvador Benedicto, a PHP 10-million project was completed in Purok Pasto Liso, Barangay Bagong Silang. The project involved the construction of a 500-lane meter, two-lane concrete road, along with road shoulders and slope protection on both sides.

The improvements are expected to enhance transportation infrastructure in the area, benefiting both local residents and visitors.

These infrastructure projects align with the DPWH’s broader goal of ensuring that even remote areas in Negros Occidental benefit from improved roads and better connectivity.

Both roads are part of ongoing efforts to promote regional development and ensure that isolated communities have better access to services, education, and economic opportunities.

With the completion of these projects, local officials and residents anticipate positive changes, from improved mobility to increased opportunities for businesses and tourism in their areas.

These newly paved roads are not just pathways to destinations but catalysts for long-term local growth.