In a significant development for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), approximately 98% of its 2,379 kilometers of roads have been paved, a milestone celebrated during the 37th anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Baguio City. This achievement marks a dramatic increase from 1988, when only 23% of the region’s roads were paved. Regional Director Engineer Khadaffy Tanggol highlighted that this progress aligns with the goals of the Cordillera Road Infrastructure Program, aimed at improving inter-regional connectivity.
The DPWH has not only focused on roads but has also constructed and rehabilitated 350 bridges across the region, with only two remaining as temporary structures. This infrastructure development has significantly reduced travel times within the region, allowing residents to move between provinces without detours through other regions. Additionally, the department has completed 68,523 linear meters of flood control structures, bolstering the agriculture sector and ensuring food sustainability.
Tanggol emphasized the broader impact of these developments, stating that improved connectivity opens up opportunities and fosters connections between communities. He also noted the growth of the DPWH workforce from 46 employees in 1988 to 3,925, underscoring the department’s commitment to enhancing its human resources through training, technology, and cultural reforms.
The economic and tourism sectors have seen notable benefits from these infrastructure improvements. Assistant Regional Director Engr. Emmanuel Diaz pointed out that the timely delivery of products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to markets has been facilitated by the new roads. Furthermore, the tourism industry has flourished due to easier access to the region, boosting both the local economy and visitor numbers.
DPWH Undersecretary Eugenio Pipo, reflecting on his past experiences in the region, remarked on the substantial improvements in road networks, which have transformed travel times from days to mere hours. Local representatives, including Kalinga’s Allen Jesse Mangaoang and Apayao’s Lea Bulut-Begtang, also praised the new infrastructure for shortening travel times and improving connectivity to remote areas, enhancing the quality of life for residents.