Travel time to Bislig, Surigao Del Sur will be reduced in half once the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) finishes its two bypass road projects in the province.
DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar said in a statement Thursday, Feb.25 that the twin projects are now “in full blast”, with the main motivation being the easing of living conditions of residents in Bislig town.
“Once completed, motorists no longer have to pass through the long and winding Surigao-Davao-Coastal Road (SDCR), thereby cutting travel time from approximately an hour to only 30 minutes,” said Villar.
The first bypass road will traverse Barangays San Isidro, San Antonio, and San Jose in the Municipality of Bislig while the other will traverse Barangays Tagongon, Sta. Maria, Sta. Juana, Maputi, and Dreamland in the Municipality of Tagbina; Sitio Bingcongan in the Municipality of Hinatuan; and Barangay San Roque in Bislig.
According to a resident of San Antonio, Bislig, the movement of people, goods, and services has been difficult since the 1980’s as public utility vehicles prefer not to pass through their area because of muddy and rough road.
The economic activity in the locality is expected to improve in the future as the bypass roads will boost agriculture, commerce, and tourism.
The scope of works for the multi-year projects involve the construction of bridges and slope protection, to be implemented by DPWH Regional Office 13.
