Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. led the inauguration and groundbreaking of three provincial government-funded infrastructure projects worth P27.8 million, reinforcing Iloilo’s commitment to improving connectivity, public facilities, and social services at the grassroots.
The projects, unveiled as part of Batad’s 77th Founding Anniversary celebration, include a bridge and road rehabilitation project, a multi-purpose hall, and a Family and Youth Development Center (FYDC).
The governor inaugurated the 12.5-meter Barangay Salong Haunch Bridge, a key component of the P19-million project to concrete and rehabilitate the 250-linear-meter Cabagohan–Binon-an–Alinsolong–Banban Junction National Road (JNR).
The bridge replaces a former overflow crossing that had long disrupted transportation during heavy rains, making travel difficult for students, farmers, fisherfolk, motorists, and residents of neighboring communities.
Barangay Salong Punong Barangay Sanny Demin recalled the decades of hardship residents endured whenever flooding rendered the crossing impassable.
For years, he said, students struggled to get to school, farmers and fisherfolk had difficulty transporting their produce, and motorists were forced to take longer routes whenever the river overflowed.
With the completion of the bridge, residents now have a safer and more reliable route connecting them to the town proper and nearby barangays.
Defensor also broke ground for the P3.8-million two-storey Multi-Purpose Hall in Barangay Poblacion, a project aimed at strengthening community services through modern and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
He later inaugurated the P5-million two-story Family and Youth Development Center, making Batad the third municipality in Iloilo to complete the facility after Igbaras and Lemery.
The center will provide counseling, mental health support, adolescent health services, responsible parenthood education, and life skills training for children, youth, and families.
According to the Provincial Population Office, the provincial government has established 31 Family and Youth Development Center sites across Iloilo, with three now fully operational.
Defensor said the projects demonstrate the impact of strong collaboration among the provincial government, municipal officials, and barangays in delivering essential infrastructure to local communities.
Mayor Elvira Alarcon thanked the provincial government for its continued investment in Batad, saying the projects support the municipality’s vision of becoming a “Greater Batad.”
Joining the governor during the ceremonies were Vice Mayor Steven Michael Andrada, Provincial Population Officer Atty. Ruel Von Superio, representatives of the Provincial Engineer’s Office, Barangay Poblacion Punong Barangay Romy Estebal, Sangguniang Kabataan Municipal Federation President Jeva Fe Arisme, Liga ng mga Barangay President Norly Plantig, and other local officials.IMT
