The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Weng C. Ocfemia
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 13 is presently implementing the improvement and widening of one of the most critical bridges in the development of Agusan del Sur and completed the upgrading of a circumferential road in Surigao del Norte.
DPWH Region 13 Director Danilo E. Versola said the department has allocated a total amount of P219.8 million for the additional two lanes of Wawa Bridge. The 240 lineal meter bridge is the longest steel bridge in the province and connects Bayugan City to Sibagat town.
Versola said the widening project will improve the mobility and economic activity in the area and provide more sustainable growth for agriculture and commerce development of the province known as the “Land of Golden Opportunities”.
Meanwhile, the P144-million road improvement project in Surigao del Norte gives local and international tourists a smoother access to Lake Mainit, the fourth largest lake in the Philippines.
The road improvement project covers the concreting of existing gravel road, construction of reinforced concrete box culvert, and installation of cross-drainage reinforced concrete pipe culvert with provision of slope protection.
Lake Mainit provides the public with scenic view of its unspoiled waters and magnificent experience with Mindanao Forest Kingfishers, white-breasted sea eagle, gurami, casili and marine flora such as fire orchid, water lilies, indian lotus, that are seen to boost the tourism growth in the area.
The easier delivery of local marine products is also expected to enhance the trade and commerce in Mainit, consequently improving the quality of lives of the townspeople.
Aside from the road improvement project for Lake Mainit, DPWH has also recently paved the following roads: the NRJ-Cagniog-Cayutan-Canlipa Port Area Road in Surigao City; the access road leading to Doña Helene Port in Socorro, Bucas Grande Island; the Sayak-Airport-Antipolo-Tuburan-Quezon-Mabini Road; and the Socorro Port-Jct. Songkoy-Sudlon-Sohoton Cove, in Siargao.
For this year alone, DPWH has accomplished a total of P661.3 million projects for Surigao del Norte, covering tourism roads, road repairs, new bridge, flood-control projects, drainage, and slope protection structures.
This twin projects, according to Versola is expected to facilitate tourism growth in the province.