New road enhances agriculture in Iloilo town

Concrete road built by DPWH provides access to an agricultural area in Sitio Bung-ao, Barangay Amparo, Pavia, Iloilo. (Photo: DPWH-Iloilo 4th DEO)

The transportation of agricultural products from farms in Sitio Bung-ao, Barangay Amparo in Pavia, Iloilo to the town proper and Iloilo City is now faster, thanks to a newly constructed concrete access road delivered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Undertaken by the DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, the PHP4.9-million project, funded under the Fiscal Year 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), involved the construction of a 402-lineal-meter, 5-meter-wide, 2-lane Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) road.

Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel stated that the road plays a crucial role in local economic development, providing better access to essential services and economic opportunities, which will improve the quality of life for the local community.

“This improved road provides access to rice fields and other agricultural lands, greatly benefiting the people in the area, especially rice and vegetable farmers, as well as animal raisers,” Oropel said.

The new road is expected to reduce travel time and hauling costs for transporting farm products to the market, which will help drive local economic growth, Oropel added.

District Engineer Mario G. Soriano noted that the road will offer residents easier and more comfortable access to social, health, and economic services, as well as other government programs.

“This paved road will benefit families in remote areas by providing them with more convenient transportation to schools, workplaces, and other establishments in the town,” Soriano said.

“Additionally, government services will now reach even the most remote areas, and people from these communities will have easier access to educational, social, and health facilities in the town and neighboring Iloilo City,” Soriano added.

The DPWH continues to implement significant road projects that connect rural communities to major thoroughfares, promoting faster transportation and easier access to essential government services.