By Leilanie Adriano
LAOAG CITY – Farmers and residents of Barangay Cabaruan in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte now have better mobility and improved access to markets and essential services following the completion of a farm-to-market road.
Located just 1.7 kilometers away from the town proper, the PHP29.8-million road is expected to boost the rural community’s economic growth and livelihood.
“The work done included [the] laying of stone masonry and pouring of concrete pavement, which is 0.23 meters thick,” Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Ilocos Norte 1st District engineer Glenn Miguel said on Friday.
Mark Anthony Cadiente, a resident, said the previous road situation was almost unbearable.
“Rough road po ito noon, laging binabaha at hindi masyadong dinadaanan ng mga tao (This was a rough road before, which was always flooded and rarely used by people),” he said.
Another resident, Gregorio Visaya, said they can now save on fuel costs due to reduced travel time.
“Mas maganda na ngayon kasi bumilis na ang biyahe. Noon ay nakakaaksaya kami ng maraming gasolina. Malaki ang nadulot na benipisyo sa amin ang kalsadang ito (It is better now because we can travel faster, unlike before when we had to consume a lot of gasoline. This road is really beneficial to us),” he said. (PNA)
