In a rare and compelling example of “matapang pero may puso” leadership, Infanta Mayor L.A. Ruanto put a stop to the ongoing roadwork by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its contractor.
This followed the unnecessary destruction of a well-kept stretch of the National Highway, which caused considerable inconvenience for both travelers and local businesses.
His swift action has made a mark in the area, highlighting his commitment to principled leadership.
Taking a Stand
Unlike many local leaders who simply go along with national infrastructure initiatives, Mayor Ruanto didn't hesitate when he discovered the DPWH had started tearing down a perfectly serviceable section of highway.
The project began abruptly. There was no public announcement, no traffic study, no planned alternative route, and no basic communication with local government or barangay officials.
The fallout was swift: snarled traffic, irate motorists, and a downturn for shops in the area. Mayor Ruanto, in a formal statement, labeled the whole affair "hindi katanggap-tanggap," citing the apparent disregard and poor planning exhibited by the DPWH and the contractor.
He noted that the demolition began without the required technical documentation, engineering drawings, or advance public advisory.
Instead of addressing the long-neglected Banugao–General Nakar Road—which has seen years of deterioration and has designated budgets for 2025 and 2026—DPWH wasted effort and resources on a road that was still in excellent condition.
He also called out the obstruction of the direct access road to the Government Service Complex, which forced government employees and emergency responders to make detours, adding delays and risk to essential public services.
"Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit isipin na nasisira ang kalsadang maayos pa at pinagkagastusan ng gobyerno, habang ang mga tunay na sira at delikadong daan ay hindi pinapansin," he continued his voice heavy with frustation.
He called on the DPWH and contractor not to repeat such actions, emphasizing that such practices only cause harm and inconvenience to the public.
DPWH’s explanation
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview of OpinYon Quezonin with Quezon 4th District Engr. Chito Paz said that he coordinated with Mayor L. A. Ruanto regarding this issue.
According to Engr. Paz, the project engineer failed to coordinate the road repair, which resulted in this incident.
Paz also clarified to Mayor Ruanto that he ordered the contractor to finish the P48 million project so that this portion of the national highway could be used again.
He said chemicals were added to speed up the road's curing so it could be used right away and not cause traffic during Holy Week.
The engineer said that only 27 meters should have been repaired by the contractor, Unimax, but it reached up to 100 meters because the contractor dug up more, even undamaged parts of the road, which became the reason for Mayor L. A. Ruanto's strong anger in Infanta, Quezon.
The DPWH clarified that it was not involved in the road work incident and pointed to the contractor, Unimax, which began road demolition without prior notice, coordination, or a go signal from the project engineer, despite a suspension on reblocking activities.
After apologizing, the contractor was allowed by the mayor to continue the project, with orders to immediately repair the damaged road.
The local government continues to monitor the project to ensure public safety.
Bringing Accountability to the Forefront
Mayor Ruanto's moves made it plain: he won't let projects that ignore the community's well-being and resources move forward unchecked.
He reiterated that his top priority is the safety and best interests of the Infantahins.
“We cannot allow projects that disregard the well-being of our people to continue unopposed. It is our responsibility to protect the interests of Infantahins above all else,” Ruanto further stated.
The mayor's position has garnered praise from both residents and online observers. Many people, fed up with infrastructure projects that seem to cause more inconvenience than improvement and without any public input, are now feeling more positive about the situation.
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