ILOILO – Residents of Barangay Hilwan, the most remote area of Calinog town, are set to experience shorter and smoother travel times thanks to a P135-million road concreting project.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing connectivity in mountainous regions along Iloilo’s boundary with Libacao, Aklan, is expected to significantly boost local agriculture and eco-tourism.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor, who have secured the initial funding.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 18, attended by key regional officials including DOT regional director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, DPWH regional director Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources assistant regional director Raul Lorilla.
Representatives from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 6 were also present.
The construction will focus on three primary areas: a concrete road-access leading to agricultural and eco-tourism destinations in Barangay Hilwan, and additional road constructions connecting Barangay Binolusan Pequeño to Barangay Hilwan, and from Barangay Binolusan Pequeño to Barangay Supanga.
Barangay Captain Narcisa Dalupines expressed optimism about the project’s impact on local transportation and agriculture.
“This will greatly reduce travel costs and improve our ability to transport products, which were previously neglected due to high hauling costs,” said Dalupines.
The area is known for its abaca production, which is expected to benefit from improved road access.
Approximately 665 individuals or 147 households in Barangay Hilwan will directly benefit from this infrastructure improvement.
Currently, residents rely on motorcycles for transport, paying between P250 to P300 for a trip to the town center — a cost that is set to decrease significantly with the new roads.
Officials also highlighted the potential for a future road extension towards Libacao, Aklan, which could further shorten travel times to popular destinations like Boracay Island.
Congressman Defensor said the project will not only save lives in emergencies but also support educational opportunities and enhance the local economy through tourism.
With the roads expected to be completed soon, officials are hopeful that the improved infrastructure will attract more tourists to natural attractions like Bugsokan and Igbagyo waterfalls in Barangay Hilwan, promising a brighter economic future for the community./PN
