The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is implementing P22.2-billion infrastructure projects this year to improve road mobility in Caraga region.
In a statement, Roger Mercado, DPWH secretary, said DPWH Region 13 has P22.2 billion in infrastructure projects for fiscal year 2021, of which 381 are ongoing and 29 projects have not yet started.
Despite the challenges amid the pandemic, DPWH completed 350 infrastructure projects as of end-2021 in Caraga.
DPWH Region 13 delivered the completion of several multi-year programs that are now being used to improve access of both residents and tourists in Caraga.
In Siargao Island, the newly inaugurated 348.8-meter Catangnan-Cabitoonan Bridge, 75.8-meter Libertad Bridge 1 and 36.8-meter Libertad Bridge 2 along the 11.847-kilometer Dapa Port-Consuelo-Corazon-Sta. Cruz-Sta. Fe-Libertad-Cabitoonan-Catangnan-Gen. Luna road now provide an alternate route from Dapa Port to Brgy. Catangnan.
Completed in March 2021, the P24.87-million barangays Basag to Camayahan farm-to-market road now enables farmers to transport products faster and easier.
The agency meanwhile said DPWH Region 13 is fast-tracking the completion of high-impact projects under the Roads Leveraging Linkages of Trade and Industry (ROLL IT), a convergence program of the Department of Trade and Industry and DPWH.
Among the ROLL-IT projects are the 39.81-km. access road leading to Nasipit, Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate Special Economic Zone in Brgy. Camagong, Nasipit and the 4.73-km east-west lateral road connecting Agusan del Sur to Bukidnon.
DPWH said regional connectivity and economic development are also expected with the completion of the 45.34-km. NRJ-Mayor Democrito Plaza II Avenue-Las Nieves Sibagat road between Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte, and the P6.7-billion Cabadbaran- Puting Bato-Lanuza road being constructed as a part of the Mindanao Logistic Infrastructure Network.