By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Bacan-Calayo Provincial Road, an 8-kilometer infrastructure project, was officially inaugurated on Friday, January 17, in Cabatuan, Iloilo, offering improved transportation and economic opportunities for local farmers and residents.
The road, which connects eight barangays—Acao, Bacan, Calayo, Tupol Central, Tupol Este, Tupol Oeste, Pamuringao Proper, and Salacay—was built with a PHP71-million budget.
Iloilo Third District Representative Lorenz “Nonoy” Defensor spearheaded the project by allocating PHP60 million from his Local Infrastructure Program Fund, complementing an initial PHP11 million.
“This road is part of our commitment to support Governor Toto Defensor’s Provincial Road Program. It benefits eight barangays and serves as a new route to the airport via Barangay Gaub, making transportation more convenient for residents,” Defensor said.
Cabatuan Mayor Elizalde “Doc Boboy” Pueyo expressed gratitude for the project, highlighting its vital role in supporting farmers.
“This road is a great help to our residents, especially farmers. Cabatuan is the second-largest supplier of high-value crops to supermarkets in Iloilo, with most of the produce coming from the southern part of our municipality. With this road, farmers can bring their produce to the market more quickly,” Pueyo said.
The inauguration was attended by local officials and special guests, including Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque, USWAG Partylist Representative Cong. James “Jojo” Ang, Bingawan Mayor Mark Palabrica, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
