Coconut farmers in two towns in the province of Aurora now benefit from newly-completed infrastructure projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino, in his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, said on Friday the projects that involve the 4.6-kilometer access road and the concrete slope protection along Aguang River in the towns of Dinalungan and Baler, respectively, facilitate better access to the coconut plantations as well as to the markets.
Tolentino said the newly concrete-paved road now connects coconut plantations in Barangay Dibaraybay, Dinalungan to the Baler-Casiguran Road.
He said the completion of the PHP39.2-million project ensures faster and more convenient transport of agricultural products from coconut plantations in Dinalungan to various markets within and outside Aurora.
The project also included the paving of a road that leads to the local office of the Philippine Coconut Authority and the concreting of various local roads that provide better mobility to farmers and residents.
On the other hand, a flood mitigation structure with a total length of 1.11 lineal kilometers was built along the section of Aguang River in Baler to protect lives and properties from inundation during heavy rains.
Included in the PHP92.84-million project was the construction of concrete slope protection on sheet pile foundation and two units of concrete ramps that residents can use as access roads.
The new river wall is built adjacent to existing revetment structures along the river to divert water flow more efficiently and help minimize the impact of flooding and scouring in the area where coconut plantations and residential houses are located.
Aurora District engineer Roderick Andal said the structure now provides better protection to coconut plantations as well as other farmlands located near the river.
Aside from minimizing agricultural losses, he said the structure also ensures the safety of residents and lessens possible damage to properties brought about by river flooding. (PNA)
