IT SAYS HERE: Diego Cagahastian from Opinyon
It Says Here

Improving accessibility of Leyte residents

Jan 9, 2023, 12:18 AM
Diego S. Cagahastian

Diego S. Cagahastian

Columnist

IT IS good to know that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently undertaking the construction of an access road connecting the towns of Mahaplag and Hilongos in Leyte province.

The objective is to further improve and strengthen the accessibility of Leyte residents and tourists, the better to help the premiere province of Region 8 towards economic recovery and progress.

DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, citing a report from DPWH Region 8 Director Edgar B. Tabacon, said that the P4.24-billion project’s scope of works include the opening and concreting of a 41.7-kilometer road, construction of permanent bridge, slope protection structures, and drainage.



Programmed as a multi-year project, a total funding of P1.93-Billion has already been released for the implementation of the big-ticket project since 2017, under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“The entire project is already 40.55 percent completed and is expected to contribute in greater socio-economic interventions by helping eradicate conflict brought by communist rebel groups in the area,” said Secretary Bonoan.

The road starts at Barangay San Isidro in Mahaplag along the Daang Maharlika and ends in Barangay San Roque in Hilongos, along the Ormoc-Baybay-Southern Leyte Road, serving as a shorter alternate route for motorists travelling to and from the two towns.

“Once completed, the usual travel time of four hours from Tacloban City to Maasin City, Leyte will be reduced by one hour, therefore hastening delivery of basic services in and out of the towns,” added Secretary Bonoan.

Construction of the remaining 20.69 kilometers and other additional works for the Mahaplag-Hilongos Road Project will be funded in 2023 onwards.

Biliran project

Meanwhile, the DPWH recently completed the construction of a flood control structure that will protect surrounding rice fields and residential communities, in the upstream portion of Bagongbong River in Almeria, Biliran Province.

The Biliran District Engineering Office reported that the project involves the construction of a levee with reinforced concrete facing two locations along Bagongbong River, measuring a total length of 414 linear meters.

“This project will help ensure the safety of locals and their livelihood as well as motorists during the rainy season,” said Secretary Bonoan.

Locals have expressed their gratitude to DPWH for the completion of the P24.5-million flood control project, which also strengthened the ground along the riverbank, to prevent soil erosion.


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