DPWH vows to finish road works

MANILA, Philippines - Saying that major infrastructure projects could bring lasting peace in Mindanao, an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways has vowed to complete the P3.2-billion road project in the region before yearend to open the war-torn area to commerce and improve the lives of the poor.

DPWH Region 11 Director Osop Ali said the DPWH is determined to finish by December the P1.7-billion Surigao-Davao Coastal Road and the P1.5-billion Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia Road in the Davao region.

“Key infrastructure projects like construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges can definitely be a lasting solution to the peace and order problem in Mindanao. Roads open up war-torn areas to commerce and lessen discontent by the poor and underprivileged people in Mindanao,” Ali said.

He said the road projects were part of the development programs in Mindanao as announced by President Arroyo in her last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Ali said the Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia Road would cut travel time between the two key agricultural provinces of Bukidnon and Davao by up to an hour’s time, boosting the banana and pineapple export businesses in the areas considered as Mindanao’s “Food Basket.”

The Surigao Sur-Davao Oriental Coastal Road, further, forms part of the country’s arterial road network and is classified as one of the roads with vital strategic importance.

It serves as the trunkline for the coastal municipalities of three provinces that leads to the main Pan Philippine Highway as its terminal point. This road traverses the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Sur in CARAGA (Region 13) and Davao Oriental in Region 11, Ali said.

“As you can see, progress will help address the problem of rebellion and terrorism in the entire Mindanao region,” said Ali.

“When these major infrastructure projects are completed, people in Mindanao can move and work freely,” he said.

“Roads and bridges will definitely give way to an open communication between the government and the various rebel groups who are working out for possible peace talks,” Ali said.

Ali, together with the other regional directors in Mindanao, has vowed to finish the SONA projects on schedule in their areas to develop southern Philippines into a center for agro-industrial business, trade and tourism.   – Helen Flores