Residents benefit from road project in San Dionisio, Iloilo
The residents of Barangay Bagacay in San Dionisio, Iloilo, have experienced significant positive change following the completion of a much-needed road improvement project.
For years, they endured the hardships of an unpaved, rugged road leading to Sitio Canipaan, which became nearly impassable during heavy rains, hindering daily travel and economic activities.
Rudy Villa, now 70 years old, vividly recalls how the deteriorated condition of the road rendered it impassable during heavy rains, complicating daily travel for residents, students, and farmers alike. Despite age-related hearing loss, Villa’s memory of past struggles remains sharp, recounting incidents such as motorcycles skidding on muddy paths, causing injuries, and muddy uniforms for students heading to school.
These accidents, including a teacher being thrown from a motorcycle, instilled fear among residents and highlighted the urgent need for better infrastructure.
The unpaved road posed safety risks and affected economic activities, delaying the transportation of rice, corn, coconuts, and bananas to local markets.
Children and teachers faced difficulties reaching schools and daycare centers, while residents constantly prayed for a solution to their plight.
Fortunately, this long-standing problem saw a positive turn with the implementation of the National Community-Driven Development Program-Additional Financing (NCDDP-AF) Phase 3, led by Mayor Darwin Bajada.
The project prioritized the construction of a 0.178-kilometer paved road in Sitio Canipaan, funded through contributions from the barangay itself (Php100,000) and the municipal government (Php1.777 million).
This initiative was supported by the San Dionisio Community-Driven Development Institutionalization Ordinance, passed in December 2024.
Today, the newly constructed road has transformed the community.
Villa expressed his gratitude, sharing that he can now enjoy early morning walks without the dangers of muddy, uneven paths.
The improved infrastructure has significantly reduced motorcycle accidents, making travel safer for residents and visitors. It has also expedited the transport of agricultural produce, benefiting local farmers and their livelihoods.
Barangay Treasurer Ma. Theresa Grezel Jurial and other residents are thankful to KALAHI-CIDSS and the local government unit for addressing their needs.
The project not only enhances safety and convenience but also fosters community progress and resilience.
For the people of Barangay Bagacay and neighboring areas, the paved road symbolizes a long-awaited victory—proof that their prayers and efforts for a better life have finally been answered./dswd6/mmc
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