By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson said the PHP 500 million road and bridge project in the hinterland barangays of Hinoba-an town will boost the local economy.
Lacson told reporters on Thursday that the project, part of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), has long been anticipated by residents of three barangays in Hinoba-an, the southernmost town of the province, bordering Negros Oriental.
He shared that some locals even joked about “betting their fingers” on whether the project would ever come to fruition.
“But we finally held the groundbreaking for the project on Wednesday,” Lacson said.
The governor added that the project is in collaboration with the World Bank, with the provincial government contributing PHP 51 million as its counterpart.
The farm-to-market road and bridge will benefit three barangays that have struggled with poor road conditions but have significant agricultural potential, Lacson noted.
“The people of Hinoba-an and its officials are confident that once this project is completed, it will greatly boost the local economy,” he said.
Lacson emphasized that this project has been discussed for many years, with residents repeatedly questioning if it would ever happen. He again referenced the local joke, saying, “Some were betting their fingers that this project wouldn’t push through, but now it finally is.”
The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
On Wednesday, Lacson led the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of the PHP 500 million Barangay Talacagay to Barangay Bacuyangan to Barangay Damutan Farm-to-Market Road, which includes a bridge in the Municipality of Hinoba-an.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Engineer’s Office is facilitating the project in partnership with the Department of Agriculture’s PRDP and the World Bank.
The total project cost is PHP 513.3 million, with both the Department of Agriculture and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental contributing PHP 51.3 million each, while the World Bank will provide PHP 410 million.
The farm-to-market road will stretch 24.475 kilometers, with a formation width of 9 to 10 meters. The bridge will span 30 linear meters with a width of 5.60 meters.
The project aims to enhance economic activities and development in the surrounding barangays and is scheduled for completion in June 2026.
Lacson further remarked that beyond the physical construction, the groundbreaking symbolizes the Provincial Government’s commitment to fostering growth, particularly for Negrense farmers.
Government officials who attended the ceremony included 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, 6th District Board Member Jeffrey Tubola, Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias, Vice Mayor Jefre Encoy, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr., and Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office Director Rainerio de Chavez, among others.
