The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Albay on Friday said the PHP72.3-million road dike project in the province has been protecting around 5,000 residents in two villages from potential floods and typhoon-induced lahar flow from Mayon Volcano since last year.

DPWH Albay 2nd District Engineer Warren Azotea said that apart from giving protection to residents of Barangay Sua and Libod in Camalig, the 248.90-meter road dike, which was completed in November last year, also now helps farmers transport their products more easily.

“The project was originally constructed to serve as a sturdy shield for lives and properties against natural calamities and now also provides residents, particularly farmers, easy access to neighboring towns. Both Sua and Libod’s main sources of income are rice, root crops, and other tropical vegetation,” he said.

Sua Barangay Captain Rodolfo Moyo said before the construction of the road dike, local farmers had a hard time transporting their produce.

“Dati wala pong access yung mga farmers natin. Kailangan pang dumaan sa medyo malayong daan, but since na ma-construct itong road dike ay medyo lumapit at naging accessible ito sa mga farmers (Before, our farmers did not have access, they had to go a long way. But since the construction of this road, the dike has come a little closer and it has become accessible to farmers),” he said.

Azotea also said the infrastructure project has also become a tourist attraction in Camalig as it becomes a perfect viewing spot for the scenic view and lush landscaping in the area.

He said the road dike made the barangays more accessible to farmers and visitors, even as it is expected to bring income-generating opportunities that would spur the said localities’ economic condition.

In a statement, DPWH Bicol Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte said the dike project was funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) CY 2023.

“We in DPWH will continue to Build Better More projects para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” he said. (PNA)