CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — Residents in Santa Cruz town and neighboring areas in Marinduque province could now enjoy ease in transporting their farm produce following the completion of the road concreting project in the area.
Undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Marinduque District Engineering Office, the completed 4,000-lineal meter concrete road is expected to improve access to markets, government services and boost socio-economic activities.
Specifically, the project directly benefits the residents of barangays Alobo, Morales and Tamayo in Santa Cruz town and surrounding areas especially in bringing their agricultural products to the market and on their day-to-day mobility.
Based on the report of DPWH -Marinduque District Engineering Office, prior to this road concreting project, farmers and residents had to endure the challenges of unpaved and poorly maintained roads, which hampered the timely delivery of goods and services.
Marinduque District Engineer Richard Emmanuel P. Ragragio noted that the rehabilitated road has now had a transformative impact on the daily lives of the residents.
“This road project not only reduces transportation and logistical costs for farmers, thereby increasing their income, but also enhances the overall mobility and safety of the local population,” Ragragio explained.
Aside from the 4,000-lineal meter concrete road, the project also includes the construction of a 3,756-meter line canal for better drainage and a 530-meter stone masonry to protect slopes and prevent erosion.
In addition, 38 solar-powered LED streetlights were installed along the route to promote energy efficiency and ensure the road remains safe and accessible even at night.
“This infrastructure initiative forms part of the national government’s thrust to improve rural connectivity, empower local economies and strengthen agricultural resilience across the MIMAROPA region,” the DPWH MIMAROPA said. (ALG/PIA MIMAROPA/With photos from DPWH MIMAROPA)
