• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Construction of the 20-kilometer bypass road connecting Sagay City and Victorias City in northern Negros is set to continue after funding has been assured by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III said on Wednesday, July 8 the project did not receive funding last year, causing delays in its implementation. However, a new budget has been proposed this year as the DPWH assured that funds will be available to sustain the project’s construction, he said.
The bypass road will be implemented in phases, with separate budget allocations proposed for sections traversing Sagay City, Manapla, and Cadiz City.
Marañon said its completion depends on the availability of funds and the absorptive capacity of the DPWH to implement the project.
The lawmaker pointed out the bypass road is expected to ease traffic congestion along the coastal highway while opening new areas for development.
“Whenever there are new road networks, there will be economic activity,” he said, noting that improved infrastructure encourages business investments and creates employment opportunities.
Marañon also highlighted the project’s potential contribution to peace and order, saying better road connectivity will allow faster movement of people and services.
“If there are businesses, there are jobs. When people have enough to eat, peace and order also improves,” he said. | GPB
