Residents in the remote upland communities of Santa Barbara, Iloilo, now benefit from smoother travel and safer trips following the completion of a P49.4-million road concreting project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6).
Implemented by the Iloilo Fourth District Engineering Office under the Fiscal Year 2025 Regular Infrastructure Program, the project rehabilitated a 4.858-kilometer, two-lane road connecting Barangay Café and Barangay Bitaog Taytay.
The project aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate to build resilient, reliable infrastructure for local communities.
DPWH-6 Regional Director Denise Maria M. Ayag said the upgraded road provides all-weather connectivity to the upland towns of Leon and Alimodian, ensuring residents can easily access essential household goods even during heavy rains.
“The rehabilitation enhances safety and reduces the occurrence of accidents, boosts economic growth, promotes social connectivity, and encourages tourism development, which will eventually improve quality of life.”
Meanwhile, District Engineer Mario G. Soriano said that repairing the aged, weather-worn stretch was essential to restore safety and functionality against rising traffic volumes.
He added that the improved road network streamlines the transport of agricultural produce to markets, expands access to vital public services, and elevates the overall quality of life for the community.IMT
