RIZAL, Occidental Mindoro — A newly completed road project in a remote barangay of Occidental Mindoro is set to boost agricultural transportation and economic activities in the region, officials said Friday.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the completion of a 763-meter (2,503-foot) concrete road in Barangay Rumbang, Rizal municipality.

The project, costing P24.05 million, was funded under the 2023 General Appropriations Act.

DPWH Regional Office IV-B Director Gerald A. Pacanan said the paved access road is crucial for the area, which is surrounded by vast agricultural lands.

“This project is pivotal in enhancing the faster delivery of local goods and providing residents better access to essential services in Rizal,” Pacanan said in a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.

The new road connects to the Mindoro West Coastal Road, further integrating the barangay into the province’s transportation network.

Officials expect this to contribute significantly to the area’s economic and agricultural development.

Safety features, including grouted riprap, headwalls, and solar-powered streetlights, were incorporated into the project. These additions aim to reduce road hazards and accidents for both motorists and pedestrians, Pacanan noted.

The DPWH-Mindoro Occidental Engineering Office implemented the project as part of the government’s broader infrastructure program aimed at improving rural connectivity and boosting agricultural productivity.

Rizal LGU officials welcomed the completion of the road, stating, “This investment in our infrastructure will have far-reaching effects on our local economy and the quality of life for our residents.” (source: DPWH)