Commuters and farmers transporting agricultural products are now safe from harm with the near completion of a PHP100 million Riverbank Protection Project along the Upper Mono River in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Monday.

“To safeguard lives and protect properties from flooding and river erosion, the DPWH-12 (Soccsksargen) has fast-tracked the construction of the project in Barangay Titulok, Bagumbayan town,” the DPWH-12 said in a statement, adding that the undertaking is 80 percent complete.

“At least we are safe now traveling through this part of the highway in Bagumbayan,” Arnie Buenacosa, a village worker in Bagumbayan, said after learning the DPWH announcement.

Just last December, Buencosa said the curve portion of the road in Barangay Titulok was underwater when the Upper Mono River overflowed due to incement weather.

“Many thanks to the government for acting swiftly on this project,” farmer Rogelio Labasteda, a corn farmer, posted on his social media page.

A part of the project is now being used by light and semi-heavy vehicles for their daily travels.

The DPWH-12 said the project covers 80 linear meters upstream on the left side, 180 linear meters downstream on both sides, and 15 linear meters along the tributary on both sides, providing riverbank stabilization in the area.

It said that environmental and safety improvements, including tree planting, transplanting, tapering, and the installation of solar LED roadway lights, enhance visibility and promote public safety within the project area. (PNA)