By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Maintaining consistent connectivity especially in the far-flung regions of the country is a tall order, especially when structures linking these areas to townships cater to the indigenous peoples (IP).
As such, following reports of accidents along a provincial road in Diffun, Quirino Province, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered the fast-tracking of the rehabilitation of the NRJ Liwayway-Ifugao Village Road to address the pavement deterioration on this vital thoroughfare.
The road rehabilitation project, which covers the reblocking of 53 road sections spanning approximately 3.87 kilometers, has already reached 43.60% completion as of press time, and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said of the vital infrastructure initiative, “The upgraded road will facilitate faster and more efficient access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and emergency services, contributing to both economic growth and social development for the area’s indigenous and emerging communities.”
Among the key components of this project are as follows: roadway widening from its current 4-5 meters to the standard 6.1-meter Portland cement concrete pavement; installation of thermoplastic pavement markings for improved lane visibility; construction of lined drainage canals; placement of safety guardrails; and provision of street lighting.
Once completed, the improved road will significantly reduce accident risks while strengthening connectivity for 13 barangays on the western side of Diffun-Dumanisi, Gregorio, Pimentel, Ricarte Norte, San Pascual, Magsaysay, Campamento, Rafael Palma, Macate, Baguio Village, Ifugao Village, Don Mariano Perez Sr., and Aklan Village.
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