BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to connect communities through road developments and improvements.
Among its projects is the Sagada-Besao-Quirino (via Laylaya) Road in Mountain Province, a multiyear project that connects Mountain Province to Quirino, Ilocos Sur.
DPWH-Cordillera reported that the Sagada-Besao-Quirino Road is an existing provincial road about 32.50 kilometers in length, with mostly unpaved sections/dirt road.
About 17.385-kilometer road section has been improved, paving the way for faster and more efficient transport of goods, services, and people between Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur.
Moises Anupo, barangay kagawad of Catengan in Besao, said the road improvement is beneficial to the community especially in easing travel and in the transport of products to the market.
“Nabayagak ngamin nga jeepney driver ket idi piman, nu adda itaray mi [iti ospital], abuten nakami iti 2-3 hours. Ngem tatta nu itaray mi ti masakit wenno nadangran, mabalin nga abuten dakami iti nabiit nga oras. Permi nga rough road idi,” he shared.
(I have been a jeepney driver for a long time. When we have to rush a sick person to the hospital, it often takes us around 2-3 hours. Now, bringing a sick or injured person to the hospital is faster.The road was really rough before.)
Joeney Sumingwa, another resident, said the project is a great help to them.
“Dakkel ti naaramidan na kadakami nga umili ken kasta met kadagiti tattao nga umay ditoy. Kaaduan nga umay ditoy nanumo nga ayan mi ket apresyaren da, talaga nga dakkel ti improvement ti pannakasemento ken pannakakabite dagiti amin a kalsada ditoy. Sala-salamat iti kinaimbag yo am-amin,” he said.
(This is a very big help to us residents and for those who are coming here. Most of those who visit our humble place appreciate the improvements in the road. Thank you very much.)
The multiyear road project will continue to be developed in the coming years. It aims to boost tourism in Mountain Province especially in Besao, enhance accessibility, and promote economic growth. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR with reports from DPWH-CAR)
