The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has paved an access road benefitting two (2) far-flung barangays of Ilog, Negros Occidental and a building project for indigenous peoples (IP) in Kabankalan City.
Barangays Consuelo and Vista Alegre in Ilog now experience better mobility and safer road travel with the concrete paving of a 945-lineal meter access road at a total cost of P19.6 million which is seen to spur socio-economic development in the local communities.
“With this improved road, people from barangays Consuelo and Vista Alegre now have better access to the town proper for their essential needs, and local farmers can now transport their goods at a lesser hauling cost,” said DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.
Meanwhile, DPWH Regional Office 6 Director Nerie D. Bueno reported that the DPWH Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office has finished the construction of the new Indigenous Peoples Governance Center (IPGC) building in Barangay Carol-an, Kabankalan City.
The single-storey, 84-square meter multi-purpose building complete with necessary facilities will serve as a center for local officials where they can perform their functions, craft policies, and implement programs toward the preservation of IP culture, tradition, and institution.
It can also serve as a training venue for members of the IP community in the barangay towards social, personal, and economic development.
“DPWH will continue to support and protect the rights and traditions of indigenous peoples through infrastructure projects that will enhance their economic, social, and cultural well-being,” added Director Bueno.