The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Leyte 4th District Engineering Office has recently completed the construction of the Manlilinao-San Sebastian Road, which has significantly transformed the transportation network and connectivity of the Municipality of Matag-ob and Ormoc City in Leyte.

The newly-built road has replaced the muddy, rough, and bumpy one, making it more accessible and convenient for farmers and other road users. The area's landscape has improved, with the new road providing a smoother, safer vehicle path and improving the locals' overall quality of life.

Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan stated that the muddy roads in the area posed a significant threat to all road users, including those who traveled by motorized and non-motorized vehicles. As a result, the DPWH decided to construct a safer and more durable concrete road that would facilitate the transportation of agricultural goods and ensure the safety of people traveling through the area.

Distance covered

The two-lane concrete road, stretching over 1.6 kilometers, is more than just an asphalt and cement road. It is much more than that; it serves as a vital lifeline for communities and provides them access to crucial resources and opportunities. The DPWH allocated P96.4 million from the 2023 national budget to ensure the road's durability and functionality and spared no expense.

Edmondo A. Mendaros, a farmer from Sitio Vesoria in Barangay Manlilinao, shared that he used to travel for more than an hour to reach the nearest town to sell his agricultural goods due to the challenging road conditions. However, with the completion of a road project, the travel time has been significantly reduced to less than an hour, depending on the availability of transportation services.

According to Allan A. Villarmino, barangay chairperson of Manlilinao, it takes less than 15 minutes to reach Matag-ob, the closest town, to buy groceries and other essential commodities. Moreover, the road project has made transportation from Matag-ob to Villaba the most convenient option.

Reducing logistic costs

Mendaros shared that transportation for his agricultural project has become easier since the completion of road construction. They used to pay around P40 to P50 for transportation, but now they only have to pay around P10 to P20 for a “habal-habal,” a motorcycle taxi.

Bonoan clarified that the road project would lower logistical expenses and significantly benefit farmers and small-medium enterprise owners in both barangays, which are abundant sources of rice, sugarcane, pineapple, coconut, and root crops.

The residents have expressed their gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the City Government of Ormoc for completing the farm-to-market road. This is a dream come true for them since it will significantly benefit the farmers. The residents also emphasized how smoothly and well-constructed the road is.

The Manlilinao-San Sebastian Road offers a range of benefits that go beyond its physical structure. It plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth by facilitating the smooth transportation of agricultural products and promoting trade between different communities. Additionally, the road helps to improve safety by reducing the risks associated with hazardous road conditions. (AAC, PIA Leyte)