Major infrastructure projects in Surigao del Sur are halfway to completion, President Marcos assured the province.
“Masaya ko ring ibinabalita na ang ilan sa mga proyekto nating pang-imprastraktura ay nasa kalagitnaan na ng pagpapagawa (I am glad to inform you that some of the infrastructure projects are halfway finished),” Marcos announced during the distribution of aid to farmers and fisherfolk in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, June 20.
Among the projects are the Cabadbaran-Putting Bato-Lanuza Road, which is already 44.7 percent finished; the East-West Lateral Road at 61.09 percent; and the rehabilitation of the Tandag Airport.
The Cabadbaran-Putting Bato-Lanuza Road is a priority project of the administration. It involves road widening and upgrading to reduce travel time between Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur from three hours to one hour and 15 minutes.
The East-West Lateral Road connecting Agusan del Sur to Bukidnon via Agusan-Malaybalay Road, on the other hand, includes road opening and upgrading, construction of two concrete bridges, and drainage and slope protection structure with road safety devices.
It is also expected to facilitate inter-regional linkages of Caraga and Northern Mindanao, and reduce cost of transporting agricultural products to trading centers.
Meanwhile, the improvement of the Tandag Airport is undertaken to ensure a more convenient travel experience for residents in the region.
The President was in Surigao del Sur on Thursday to lead the distribution of various aids to almost 12,000 El Niño-affected farmers, fisherfolks, and their families.
He said over P60 million are to be distributed to Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Some P10,000 in cash assistance will be distributed to 9,195 beneficiaries under the DSWD’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program and another P10,000 presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and selected families.
The Chief Executive added DA will provide farm machinery, equipment and credit assistance. TESDA will distribute livelihood starter tool kits and training allowance to beneficiaries in Surigao del Sur.
DOLE, under the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and the Government Internship Program, shall provide financial assistance.