The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully facilitated better access to Barangay Culipapa in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental through a newly--constructed road that leads to its various farmlands in Sitio Cemeco.
Secretary Roger G. Mercado said that the farm-to-market road is a P48.25-million project implemented by the DPWH Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office (DEO) with budget sourced from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2020.
Based on reports from DPWH Regional Office 6 Director Tiburcio DL. Canlas and District Engineer Rodney A. Gustillo, Secretary Mercado disclosed that the newly concrete paved road has a length of 1.95 kilometers.
Secretary Mercado further explained that included in the project are grouted riprap for slope protection and metal railings on identified areas with high elevation.
“People no longer have to travel for an hour using improvised motorcycles also known as habal-habal, or three (3) hours on foot or hauled by carabao when going to Sitio Cemeco. This project greatly benefits farmers in transporting products from their community to nearby market centers,” Secretary Mercado said.
According to DPWH Senior Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rafael C. Yabut, the once rugged road located on the mountain side is a potential area for production of crops and other agricultural products.
“Its improvement into a concreted and wider road allows four-wheeled vehicles to go in and out of the community more conveniently”, said Senior Undersecretary Yabut
DPWH is also hopeful that through this infrastructure development, social and economic situation in the area will be better and access to basic government services like health, education, and peace and security will be ensured.