The coconut industry in Aurora got a huge boost with the completion of two infrastructure projects there, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) bared Friday, April 21.

(Photo: DPWH)

In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Undersecretary for Regional Operations in Central Luzon Roberto R. Bernardo, DPWH Regional Office 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino noted that the completion of the 4.6-kilometer access road and concrete slope protection along Agua River in the towns of Dinalungan and Baler, respectively, have benefitted the coconut plantations in the province.

Tolentino stated that the newly concrete paved road now connects the coconut plantations in Barangay Dibaraybay in Dinalungan town to the Baler-Casiguran Road.

"The completion of the P39.2-million project ensures faster and more convenient transport of agricultural products from coconut plantations in the town of Dinalungan to various market centers within and outside Aurora Province,’’ the DPWH Regional Office 3 said.

Tolentino explained that the road construction project also included the paving of a road that leads to the local office of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PHILCOA) and the concreting of various local roads that enable better mobility for farmers and residents.

The DPWH Regional Office 3 chief added that a flood mitigation structure with a total length of 1.11 lineal kilometers was also built along the section of Aguang River in Aurora’s capital town of Baler to protect lives and properties from inundation during heavy rains.

“Included in the P92.84-million project are the construction of concrete slope protection on sheet pile foundation and two units of concrete ramps that residents can use as access roads,’’ the DPWH Regional Office 3 Office added.

The new river wall is built adjacent to existing revetment structures along the river to divert water flow more efficiently and help minimize the impact of flooding and scouring in the area where coconut plantations and residential houses are located.

Both projects were implemented by the DPWH Aurora District Engineering Office (DEO) with funding sourced from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2022.