BUTUAN CITY -- The economy in this region’s frontier and capital city of Butuan in Northeastern Mindanao (The Caraga Region) is expected to grow following the completion of another all-weather concrete road.

Interestingly, this newly completed concrete road undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will boost the cargo—and-handling operations at the Butuan’s Lumbocan Wharf where the mobility of shippers carrying their goods to Visayas region and other parts in the country becomes easier.

Local businesses, particularly the fish-pond owners/operators within the Lumbocan area, will now also experience easier transport of their products to the market and other services with the completion of this concrete road project.

In his progress report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, DPWH Regional Director Engr. Pol M. Delos Santos said that the 322.5-meter road concreting project was constructed with a ₱5-million allocation.

"This road project will surely give relief to the locals as they are now ensured of safer, convenient travel, as well as local economic boost since transport of goods to and from the market is now quicker,” stressed the region’s top DPWH 13 official in an exclusive interview with The Manila Bulletin.

Prior to the road concreting, the road is almost impassable especially during the rainy season due to potholes, mud, and stagnant flood water.

“Even tourists, both local and foreign, already have easier access to go to the different beaches in the neighboring Masao area, '' Regional Director Depos Santos also pointed out.

Butuan City Mayor Engr. Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada expressed gratitude to the DPWH for the completion of the road, saying ‘it will greatly boost the local economy and be of big help to the cargo-handling operations in the sea port of Lumbocan.’

Meanwhile, the DPWH paved a road to provide better access to Sumile Zoological and Botanical Park at Barangay Sumile, also this growing city in Mindanao, and boost the tourism and local economy.

Director Delos Santos said that the 556.30 meters road widening project was constructed in the amount of ₱11.8 million.

Barangay Sumile, a far-flung barangay in this city, is home of the Zoological and Botanical Park, which showcases a magnificent botanical garden, and friendly monkeys.

“The Zoological and Botanical Park also contributes to the preservation of biological diversity through protection of animals and growing of plants,” Regional Director Delos Santos said.

“The facility also houses a scientific research facility where they continuously study the environment for the awareness of the general public,” he said.

This paved and access road project contributes to the city’s infrastructure development while maintaining the ecological balance in the area.