A new bypass road leading to the Our Lady of Guibang Shrine in Gamu, Isabela was recently completed, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced.
The recently-construction Guibang-Gamu Bypass Road in the Gamu, Isabela also serves as alternative road for the usually congested Daang Maharlika.
It is a 1.24-kilometer concrete road with four lanes.
According to DPWH Regional Office 2 interim Director Loreta Malaluan, the road was built with 13.4-meter carriageway width and 300-millimeter thickness.
By diverting motorists plying Daang Maharlika especially during rush hours, the newly constructed bypass road shortened travel time going to the pilgrimage town usually visited by patrons of Our Lady of Guibang Shrine, said Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.
The secretary added that “the convenience brought upon by the new road can attract more tourists and investors, generate jobs, and support peace and order in Gamu, Isabela.”
The bypass road costs P41 million, with the funds coming from the 2018 and 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The department also announced Tuesday the completion of a river wall in a flood-prone community in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.
Villar said that a 263.7-meter long revetment structure was recently built along the Balatukan River in Barangay Mandangoa which used to suffer from the overflow of Balatukan River.
“This structure will prevent the flood brought by the overflowing water from the river,” he said.
According to DPWH Regional Office 10 Director Zenaida Tan, the river wall will help protect the communities who have been struggling to keep the water out most especially in rainy seasons.
A total of P33 million was allocated for the flood-control project under 2020 GAA. It was completed late last year, Tan added.