Davao del norte: Two recently completed road projects valued at PHP121 million are set to drive economic, social, and environmental growth in the underserved regions of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao (DPWH-11). These projects are anticipated to enhance connectivity and accessibility in the area, fostering development opportunities.

According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH-11 Regional Director Juby Cordon announced the completion of a 1.7-kilometer road stretching from Barangay San Jose to Barangay Magwawa. This development is part of the project’s Package 2 and aims to facilitate quicker travel to and from the mountain areas, thereby improving the delivery of agricultural produce to markets and access to essential services for residents of Sto. Tomas and neighboring towns.

The first segment of this initiative was finalized in December 2022. It involved a 1.02-kilometer road linking the villages of Maduao, Tagpore, and San Jose Mahayahay in Panabo City to Sto. Tomas town. Both segments were executed by the Davao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office, with funding provided by the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps program.

In a statement, Cordon highlighted the alignment of these projects with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive for the DPWH to prioritize high-impact projects that will promote long-term economic growth, especially in the country’s remote areas.

Additionally, another road project is underway, extending from Barangay Kinamayan to Barangay Lunga-og in Sto. Tomas. Cordon noted that this project is 91.35 percent complete, with funding allocated from the General Appropriations Act of 2024 amounting to PHP49 million. It is expected to reach completion before the end of 2025.