BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga showcased the five road network projects of the region during the maiden episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on May 28 in Butuan City.
DPWH Caraga Dir. Pol M. Delos Santos updated the public on the progress status of these major projects, saying, “DPWH has aligned its flagship program on Build Better More with the thrust of the current administration, as every infrastructure built is a testament to the overarching objective of the Bagong Pilipinas.”
“From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, our roads, bridges, flood control system, schools, and other reliable and resilient infrastructure paved the way for a brighter and more progressive Caraga region,” he said.
These road networks and other projects are tangible proof that we have a loving government that takes care of the needs of the Caraganons, especially those living in remote and far-flung areas,” he added.
Improvement of Daang Maharlika
According to Delos Santos, the Daang Maharlika is the main transportation artery of the country, as it connects the major islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
For the Caraga region, the project involves the widening of Daang Maharlika from Barangay Lipata, Surigao City, to Trento, Agusan del Sur, which will increase the traffic capacity of the national road network all over the region and provide safer and sounder travel for the end users with a reduction of travel time to four hours only.
“With a cost of P29.414 billion, the project that is now at 9.24 percent is expected to be completed by December 2028,” Delos Santos noted.
The DPWH Caraga chief, in reply to a media question, acknowledged the challenges faced by the project, especially the tough travel experience due to poor road conditions that make it difficult for commuters and drivers plying along the roads in the towns of Bunawan and Trento in Agusan del Sur. He assured everyone that funding is already set for the urgent rehabilitation, reconstruction, and upgrading of the said areas.
Cabadbaran-Lanuza road
For the indigenous peoples (IPs) residing in Barangay Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, and neighboring places, this alternate route is a game changer, as their products are now closer to the market and they are closer to the services of the government. Also, more children are going to school because of the convenient road made available for them.
“This project promoted development in different fields such as eco-tourism, agriculture industry, and domestic trade that connects the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur with travel time from more than three hours to an hour and 15 minutes only,“ Delos Santos shared.
The Cabadbaran-Lanuza, with a project cost of over P8 billion, is targeted to finish in December 2031.
Butuan City-Agusan del Norte logistical highway
The Butuan City-Agusan del Norte logistical highway is a major thoroughfare that will provide easy and safe access to roads, benefiting more than 4,491 commuters and motorists, and will boost economic activities in the region as this will link to potential industrial zones such as connecting Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and Masao-Lumbocan, Butuan City ports.
This project traverses the barangays of Taguibo, Banza, Masao, and Lumbocan in Butuan City to barangays Abilan, Poblacion, and Sakol all in Buenavista town, and ends in barangays Talisay and Camagong in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.
To date, the logistical road is at 14.04 percent and targets completion in December 2030.
Bukidnon-Agusan del Norte (Buenavista-Lawan Lawan-Bukidnon)
Delos Santos gladly announced the 97.61 percent project status of the 35.93 km. road section that connects Buenavista-Bunaguit road to the boundary between Caraga and Region 10, as this infrastructure will form part of the total inter-regional connectivity between the said regions and will promote biodiversity in the Northern Mindanao corridor.
“This will serve as the nearest route to reach Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, with an estimated time of three to four hours only, without passing the current Cagayan de Oro-Iligan road with seven hours of travel time,” he disclosed.
Agusan Bridge
The Agusan Bridge, as the third overpass to span the Agusan River, is a milestone project with a total cost of over P1 billion, which formed part of Buenavista-Lawan, Lawan-Bukidnon.
The director also mentioned that Agusan Bridge is for turnover and to be open to the public anytime, as this is already completed.
The synchronous and nationwide conduct of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas heeds the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that Cabinet members are required to facilitate this engagement activity at the regional level to highlight their respective accomplishments and plans under the present administration.
With this, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and the Department of Health (DOH) are set to showcase their accomplishments and plans for a better and more progressive Caraga.
The Caragaons, including other government communicators and media, are enjoined to witness the live streaming of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on the Facebook page of the Philippine Information Agency Caraga and its provincial pages every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. (RLE/PIA-Caraga)
