Transport of goods from Panay Island to other islands, and vice versa, via Banate Port, is easier with the improvement of the access road leading to the port.
The road improvement was undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office.
The road project involves the concreting of a 1.114-kilometer, 2-lane, 6.7-meter wide road along Iloilo East Coast Capiz Road -Passi-San Rafael-Lemery-Sara Road in Banate, Iloilo.
The district allocated P19.598 million for the road enhancement which also includes provision of slope protection, cross drainage and thermoplastic pavement markings.
In a report to DPWH 6 Regional Director (RD) Lea N. Delfinado, District Engineer (DE) Sanny Boy O. Oropel said the project was completed earlier than the July 25, 2020 completion date.
“This road leads to Banate Port, which is one the gateways for sea transportation in and out of Panay Island. Thus, the improvement of this road provides faster and easier transport of goods and services,” DE Oropel said.
Meantime, RD Delfinado said the improved road will not only open opportunities for economic development but will also provide faster and more comfortable travel among motorists and commuters.
“With this paved road, travel time from the towns in northern Iloilo to Banate Port via San Rafael-Sara-Lemery-San Enrique Road will be reduced from 40 minutes to only 25 minutes, saving at least 15 minutes. Also, traveling from the provinces of Capiz and Aklan will be reduced by about 45 minutes,” RD Delfinado said. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)
