By Teofilo Garcia, Jr/PNA

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated PHP186.5 million for two road-widening projects in this southern port city.
The first project, a two-lane road widening with a budget of PHP93.4 million, will start from the junction of Mayor Vitaliano Agan Ave. until the intersection of Canelar-Sta. Maria Road.
Some PHP18 million of the PHP93.4 million has been set aside for the widening of the San Ignacio Bridge near the Canelar-Sta. Maria Road intersection.
House of Representatives appropriations committee vice chairperson, 1st District Rep. Celso Lobregat, said Wednesday the District Engineering Office of the DPWH already started the initial ground works in preparation for the implementation of the first project.
Lobregat, who initiated the project and has recently met with DPWH officials, said the road widening is one of the priority projects of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte here in the region.
The second project is the two-lane airport road that will cover the intersection of the Baliwasan Chico Road. Some PHP93.1 million has been allocated for the project.
Lobregat said the projects would ease traffic congestion along Governor Camins Ave., leading to the Baliwasan Chico intersection, which is part of the Zamboanga-Labuan Highway.