The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have reaffirmed their commitment to completing road connectivity projects worth PHP130 million under the Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL IT) Program aimed at improving access to key industries and economic zones across Western Visayas.

During a meeting on Wednesday, agency representatives discussed the implementation of nine ongoing projects spanning from 2018 to 2024.

DTI Regional Director Rachel Nufable highlighted the importance of prioritizing road improvements in areas with shared service facilities (SSF) to enhance investments and economic activities.

“By ensuring better infrastructure in these locations, the program aims to further boost investments and economic activities in the region,” Nufable said in a press statement on Thursday.

In Aklan, the boundary access road project in Altavas, Aklan from NRJ Cabangila-Sitio Eahog, Barangay Catmon, Altavas to Barangay Agkawayan, Mambusao Capiz seeks to support the coconut processing facility, food processing, and the banig production.

In Antique, the project will support the agribusiness industry in the municipality of Sibalom, while the Barangays San Ramon-Latazon- Liberato road connects to Iloilo-Antique road, Laua-an public market of Laua-an and to the processing and packaging plant of muscovado sugar.

The projects in Negros Occidental are aimed at providing access roads leading the micro-food processing industry in Barangays Handumanan and Vista Alegre in Bacolod City.

In Capiz, the two projects will support the abaca industry in Jamindan town and the cacao industry plantation in Tapaz town.

Roads will connect businesses to markets, processing plants, and key highways, facilitating trade and development.

The ROLL IT Program, established through a memorandum of agreement, ensures collaboration between DPWH and DTI. The DPWH will identify roads needing improvement, while DTI will prioritize industries for support. (PNA)