(STRONGER ROADS, SAFER JOURNEYS. A smoother and more durable road now awaits travelers along the Putiao-Pilar-Donsol Road in Pilar, Sorsogon. The newly improve road ensures safer travel, minimizes maintenance costs, and enhances access to essential services and tourist destinations, driving local economic opportunities.)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sorsogon 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) has completed the rehabilitation of the Putiao-Pilar-Donsol Road through a P49.45-million asphalt overlay project, driving economic and tourism growth in the town of Pilar, Sorsogon.
Covering a 2.08-lane kilometer stretch, the asphalt overlay smooths out previously damaged roads riddled with potholes, reducing vehicle maintenance costs and ensuring a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
“Dakong pakinabang an proyektong ini dahil mas naging smooth an agihan. Dati an dalan medyo luma at butas-butas an asphalt, niyan natakpan na an lubak-lubak, napamayad an daloy sin trapiko yan naging smooth an pag-agi san mga vehikulo.” (This project [asphalt overlay] brings significant benefits because it has made the road smoother. Previously, the road was old and had may potholes, but now those have been covered, improving traffic flow and making vehicle travel smoother), said Barangay Kagawad Clarence M. Macasinag of Barangay Naspi, Pilar.
Sorsogon 1st DEO District Engineer Priscilla B. Jebulan said in her report to DPWH Region 5 Regional Director Virgilio C. Eduarte that the road network improves access to essential services such as education and healthcare while linking isolated barangays to employment and market opportunities. As better road conditions lower transportation costs and enhance mobility, local businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector, fisheries, and tourism, are expected to boost.
With Sorsogon’s growing reputation as one of the best tourism destinations in Bicol, particularly in Donsol, known for its whale shark interactions, the recent road improvements are expected to attract more visitors by enhancing connectivity to key tourist spots in the province.
The project was completed under the funding agreement of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
