TARLAC — Close to P30 million worth of road projects in the province were recently completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In Santa Ignacia town, the P14.925-million farm-to-market road (FMR) was finished and is expected to benefit farmers in Barangay Calipayan, the largest agricultural village in the municipality.
DPWH Tarlac 1st District engineer Neil Farala noted that the agency implemented the project in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and was funded under the 2024 national budget.
"The concreting of a 510-lineal-meter section of the Barangay Calipayan FMR will enhance travel convenience for farmers and residents within the barangay, improving access to local markets and reducing transport costs," he said.
Farala added that the DPWH aims to implement similar projects in their jurisdiction, where much of the land is dedicated to cultivating agricultural products such as sugarcane, rice, coconut and vegetables, thereby supporting local agricultural development.
He said the project's completion will enhance agricultural productivity in the area, ensuring that residents, particularly farmers, can efficiently and safely transport their products to nearby municipalities, aligning with the national government's thrust to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve rural infrastructure.
In Barangay Lalapac in Victoria, a one-story multipurpose building has also been constructed and completed by DPWH on a 120-square-meter land, amounting to P4.9 million. It will serve as a day care center.
Farala said the facility was funded under the agency's Basic Infrastructure Program in the 2024 national budget.
"This structure includes amenities such as a disability ramp, air conditioners, a kitchenette, a storage room for students' bags and school supplies, an office and a restroom," he added.
Child development worker Kathlyn de los Reyes noted the significance of the spacious learning area, noting that the new facility can accommodate more pupils that will foster a better learning environment.
"Malaking bagay po itong bagong Day Care Center kasi maluwang po siya, kasya po 'yung mga estudyante, may enough space po para sa kanila and mas maraming mga bata niyan ang ma-e-engganyong pumasok dahil malaki na po 'yung bagong day care center (This new day care center is a big deal because it's spacious, it can accommodate the students, there's enough space for them, and more children will be encouraged to attend because the new day care center is much bigger)," she said.
The project supports the agency's goal of providing quality educational infrastructure and enhancing community welfare.
In Sitio Almendras, Barangay San Isidro in Concepcion town, the DPWH has completed a 310-lineal-meter road project amounting to P9.9 million, and already provides residents and farmers with a reliable route for transporting harvested products to nearby markets.
DPWH Tarlac 2nd District engineer Edward Ricardo Ramos cited that the project goes beyond the concrete surface and incorporating essential features aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
"Three 610-millimeter cross drain pipes were strategically installed to provide local farmers with access to irrigation water, supporting their activities and boosting production," he added.
Ramos also pointed out that the two-lane road now connects to the agricultural area of Barangay Talimundoc Marimla, enhancing access between the two farming villages.
Local resident Randy Tiglao recalled that the previous unpaved gravel road was often muddy and prone to deep floodwaters during the rainy season, posing significant risks to residents and road users.
Villages councilman Roger Pamintuan expressed satisfaction with the completed infrastructure, stating that it has greatly benefited their community.
The project also features stone-masonry with wheel guards on both sides, which serve as side slope protection that safeguard the road against scouring and erosion, and ensure long-term stability and minimizing potential damage risks.
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