Residents of remote areas in Ilog, Negros Occidental now have easier access to basic government services with the improvement of a local road.
The road improvement undertaken by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office includes two road sections with a collective length of 695 lineal meters and cost ₱9.9 million.
Section 1, with the length of 472.1 lineal meters, is part of the local road network of Ilog to Kabankalan City through Brgy. Tapi.
Section 2, measuring 222.8 lineal meters long, is an access road to the neighboring barangay of Magballo, which is likewise part of Kabankalan City.
The project involves upgrading of the earth road to a 2-lane, 6-meter-wide concrete road to accommodate more vehicles, making the transportation more convenient.
It also includes provision of grouted riprap and stone masonry for slope protection, and guardrails for the safety of our motorists and the people residing in the area.
Citing a report from District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo, DPWH-6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said these road sections connect Brgy. Balicotoc in Ilog town to the neighboring barangays of Tapi and Magballo, which are access roads to Kabankalan City.
“With this paved road, delivery of services and products is easier, faster and less costly. This (road) also provides access from the highland areas of Ilog going to Kabankalan City and Candoni town, making local trade more accessible,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.
Likewise, Brgy. Balicotoc chairman, Mr. Mark Joseph Valenciano said the road concreting project is beneficial in easing their mobility and transport of agricultural products from farms to the market.
He added that the concrete road will provide their residents and other commuters with a more convenient “short-cut” to Kabankalan City.
Considering its geographical location in mountainous area, the road was once rugged and muddy due to recurrence of rain, making it hard for the people in transporting their farm products such as rice and corn, and sugarcane.
“With this improved road quality, our farmers will no longer endure long travel in transporting their goods to the market; people in remote areas now have easy access to social and health services especially during emergency situations,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.
“This will also improve peace and order, reducing insurgency cases especially in far-flung areas in the province, hence people in the remote areas will feel more secured,” Director Bueno added. (DPWH-6)
