The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) has completed the construction of the four slope protection structures along Junction Bancal-Leon-Antique Boundary Road in various villages of Leon town.
The slope protection projects with the collective amount of P319.186 – million were funded under the Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office’s 2022 General Appropriations Act. These were implemented into four sections/projects involving the provision of high tensile wire mesh, construction of concrete slope protection structures with stone masonry, concrete shoulders, lined canal, and metal guard rails in some areas
The first section is located in Sitio Tabionan in Barangay Bucari, with the length of 80 lineal meters in the amount of P48.99-million; the second section, in the amount of P88.77 – million, is in Barangay Tagsing with the length of 100 lineal meters; third and fourth sections, with the amount P91.67-million and P89.73 – million, respectively, both measuring 100 lineal meters, are built in Barangay Maliao.
DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said these structures will help stabilize the slope to last a longer time, prevent possible damage to the surrounding and community, and protect people from injury.
“These structures are built to prevent spalling and collapse of the slope due to rain scouring or weathering, and to help to avoid the deterioration of the slope and the fall of rocks on the road,” said Bueno.
She added that these roads lead to mountainous communities in Leon and are very susceptible to landslide and rock fall especially when heavy rains occur, posing danger to commuters and residents, hence, these improvements will help preserve the lives and properties of the people living in the area.
“We should ensure that our roads especially those in the highland areas are free from falling debris and erosion to provide smooth and continuous flow of traffic, especially these days that we are experiencing a series of rainfall,” noted Bueno.
District Engineer Mario G. Soriano said these structures will not only ensure road safety but also help in the faster mobilization of people and products from farms to the market, and easier access of basic government services that could benefit even the people in the remote areas.
“These (slope protection) structures will help in the faster delivery of agricultural products from the highland barangays of Leon and Alimodian to the market; and faster delivery of medical and other basic services to the people in the far-flung areas,” said Soriano.
The structures will also offer a safer travel to Bucari Pine Forest in Brgy. Bucari, Leon which is considered as the “Little Baguio” of Iloilo province and to other tourist destinations in Alimodian town like Imoy Falls and “Seven Cities” known for organic vegetable production, added Soriano.AAL/LAF/PIA6 Iloilo/DPWH6
