Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed a total of 350 infrastructure projects in 2021 to improve the road network and mobility in Region 13.
DPWH Secretary Roger Mercado and Senior Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, in charge of Regional Operations, complimented DPWH Region 13 headed by Regional Director Pol Delos Santos for implementing P22.178-billion worth of infrastructure for the Fiscal Year 2021, of which 381 are still ongoing and 29 are not yet started.
In 2021, P22.178-billion worth of infrastructure projects were implemented, 381 are still ongoing and 29 are not yet started.
DPWH Region 13 has delivered the completion of several multi-year programs that are now being used to improve access of both residents and tourists in the region.
The P24.87-million Brgy. Basag to Brgy. Camayahan Farm to Market Road (FMR) completed in March 2021 is now enabling farmers to transport products faster and easier in Siargao.
In Siargao Island, the newly-inaugurated 348.8-meter Catangnan-Cabitoonan Bridge, 75.8-meter Libertad Bridge 1, and 36.8-meter Libertad Bridge 2 along the 11.847-kilometer Dapa Port–Consuelo-Corazon –Sta. Cruz–Sta. Fe–Libertad–Cabitoonan Catangnan–Gen. Luna Road are now providing an alternate route from Dapa Port to Brgy. Catangnan. The P24.87-million Barangay Basag to Barangay Camayahan Farm to Market Road (FMR) completed in March 2021 is now enabling farmers to transport products faster and easier.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director Abdulfatak Pandapatan said that DPWH Region 13 is fast-tracking the completion of high-impact projects under the Roads Leveraging Linkages of Trade and Industry (ROLL IT) Convergence Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DPWH.
Among the ROLL-IT projects are the 39.81-km Access Road leading to Nasipit Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate Special Economic Zone (NANIE-SEZ) in Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and the 4-.73-km East-West Lateral Road connecting Agusan del Sur to Bukidnon.
Regional connectivity and economic development are also expected with the completion of the 45.34-km NRJ-Mayor Democrito Plaza II Avenue – Las Nieves Sibagat Road between Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte and the P6.7 billion Cabadbaran – Puting Bato – Lanuza Road being constructed as a part of the Mindanao Logistic Infrastructure Network.
“DPWH is committed to completing these projects ahead of time to promote not just better infrastructure but also eco-tourism, agriculture, and trade for CARAGA,” Mercado stressed.
