Coffee and coconut farmers in the fast-growing municipality of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur now benefit from the completed portion of Jct. Highway Malixi-Manambia-Soriano Jct. Bahi By-pass Road undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Funded under FY 2021, DPWH Surigao del Sur 2nd District Engineering Office implemented the construction and concreting of the 2.3-kilometer road, which is an extension of the improved road from the prior year’s allocation.
Citing reports from DPWH Region 13 Director Pol Delos Santos, DPWH Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado mentioned that the road now provides an alternate route for motorists going to and from the municipalities of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur without having to pass through the traffic-congested main route in the municipality of Barobo.
Other than reducing travel time, the project also opens more opportunities for faster return of investments and attracting a wider market for coffee and coconut growers.
The Jct. Highway Malixi-Manambia-Soriano Jct. Bahi By-pass Road Project involves the upgrading of 30.426-kilometer road and construction of three bridges with a total of 81 lineal meters.
Once fully completed, the by-pass road is expected to spur more economic opportunities in Tagbina which aims to make the coffee industry as their main economic driver.