Local communities in the towns of Altavas, Banga, Libacao, and Nabas, Aklan province now experience enhanced farm to market transport with the completion of access roads by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH Region 6 Director Tiburcio DL Canlas reported to Secretary Roger G. Mercado that these newly-concreted roads will foster better connectivity between municipalities and tourist destinations which will trigger a boost in the local economy and tourism industry of Aklan.
Two (2) road projects were completed in convergence with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) Program.
In Barangay Catmon, Altavas, the P53-million 4.5-kilometer access road connects to Capiz province through the Mambusao boundary access road and supports the coconut processing and banig (local mattress)-making industry in the town.
Costing P79 million, the 3.4-kilometer concrete road in Barangay Manika, Libacao now facilitates hastened delivery of tayok-tayok, nito, and abaca products. It also serves as an access route to Manila Viewpoint, a new local tourist attraction in the municipality.
“The completion of these road projects has provided great relief since local producers need not walk hours to neighboring towns or provinces to deliver their native goods to nearby markets,” said Secretary Mercado.
In convergence with the Department of Tourism (DOT), a P23.4-million road leading to Mangayaw Falls was also paved in Barangay Guadalupe, Libacao.
Meanwhile, DPWH Aklan District Engineering Office has completed the concreting of a 224-lineal meter access road in Barangay Buenavista, Nabas and a 220-meter road in Barangay Poblacion, Banga.
“DPWH is optimistic that these access roads will also aid in the economic recovery of the province from the adverse effects of the pandemic,” added Secretary Mercado.