Catarman N. Samar-To enhance mobility and strengthen local connectivity, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) is currently implementing a P9.74-million road construction project in Sitio Crystal Mountain, Barangay San Jose, Mondragon, Northern Samar.
The project involves the construction of a 471-meter road, with widths of 1.00 m, 2.00 m, and 3.05 m, and a thickness of 0.23 m. It also includes the construction of a 150-meter trapezoidal stone masonry-lined canal, 100 meters of structural concrete with reinforcing steel (grade 40) slope protection with embankment and riprap, and the installation of eleven 910 mm diameter reinforced concrete pipe culverts (RCPC) for water drainage.
In an interview, a resident revealed that the concreting and widening of the road pavement significantly reduces the risk of accidents especially for habal-habal drivers who have long been concerned about safety, as the existing road is narrow and more like a footpath than a proper roadway.
Mr. Bernabe Glulariza also highlighted how the road has positively impacted his work as a farmer.
Bali, aming produkto ngayon, ikumpara noon at ngayon, mas malaki na ang na-improve sa ngayon kaysa sa nakaraang taon, mahirap noon ang pagbyahe dito. Nakaka punta kami dito ng deretso at pwede na din makabalik agad-agad.
Another farmer from the area, Mr. Ruben Silvestre also expressed his thoughts about the project.
“Yana, nadugngan gihapon ngan ginpa-halapad gihapon para diri gihapon kami kurian kun may man makaparok sa amon sin mga sarakyan nga dagko, di na kami kurian kay nadugngan gihapon. Bisan pa mga truck pwede na maka-agi ngadi sa amon agi-anan.”
The project, funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, is expected to be completed by October 2025.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA /PR)
