Sultan kudarat: Commuters and farmers transporting agricultural products are now safe from harm with the near completion of a PHP100 million Riverbank Protection Project along the Upper Mono River in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH-12 (Soccsksargen) fast-tracked the construction of the project in Barangay Titulok, Bagumbayan town to safeguard lives and protect properties from flooding and river erosion. The project is currently 80 percent complete.

Arnie Buenacosa, a village worker in Bagumbayan, expressed relief upon hearing the DPWH announcement, stating that traveling through this part of the highway in Bagumbayan is now safe. He recounted how last December, the curve portion of the road in Barangay Titulok was underwater when the Upper Mono River overflowed.

Rogelio Labasteda, a corn farmer, thanked the government for their quick action on the project, expressing his gratitude on social media. Currently, a portion of the project is utilized by light and semi-heavy vehicles for daily travel.

The DPWH-12 detailed that the project covers 80 linear meters upstream on the left side, 180 linear meters downstream on both sides, and 15 linear meters along the tributary on both sides to stabilize the riverbank in the area. Environmental and safety improvements, including tree planting, transplanting, tapering, and solar LED roadway lights installation, enhance visibility and promote safety within the project area.