By Rowena Cruz Recently built access road opens doors to opportunity for indigenous community in Sariaya, Quezon. (Photo from DPWH) SAR...
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| Recently built access road opens doors to opportunity for indigenous community in Sariaya, Quezon. (Photo from DPWH) |
SARIAYA, Quezon – Life is set to dramatically improve for residents of Barangay Pili, an indigenous community in Sariaya, Quezon Province, thanks to a recently constructed access road. By connecting this once isolated community with essential services, markets, and opportunities, the road, spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), promises to usher in an era of improved well-being and economic progress.
Funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the road is a key component of the government's Convergence and Special Support Program, an initiative designed to enhance infrastructure in remote and underserved areas. This program prioritizes the needs of communities like Barangay Pili, where a significant number of Indigenous Peoples (IP) reside and are integral to the local culture and economy.
While Barangay Pili is a vibrant and growing community with a strong agricultural foundation, its residents have long faced challenges due to the poor condition of existing roads. These challenges were particularly pronounced during the rainy season when the unpaved roads became nearly impassable, effectively isolating residents and hindering their access to healthcare, education, and markets. This lack of reliable access has limited economic opportunities and impacted overall quality of life.
To address this, the DPWH, through its Quezon 2nd District Engineering Office, constructed two concrete road sections with a total length of 315 meters. Section 1 spans 181 meters, and Section 2 covers 134 meters. Both sections feature a 5-meter-wide, two-lane configuration with 1-meter-wide shoulders, ensuring ample space and safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. This new road will ensure year-round access to vital services and facilitate greater participation in the local economy.
"This new road will be a game-changer for the people of Barangay Pili," said DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan. "It will provide them with safe and reliable access to the services and opportunities they need to thrive." Secretary Bonoan emphasized that the project directly addresses the community's critical needs by providing a dependable transportation route.
DPWH Region 4A Director Jovel Mendoza echoed this sentiment, stating, "This project is a testament to the government's commitment to supporting rural and indigenous communities. By providing essential infrastructure, we are helping to drive economic progress and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos."
The impact of this new access road is expected to be far-reaching. By facilitating the efficient transport of goods and services, improving access to education and healthcare, and creating new opportunities for economic development within the IP community, this road paves the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Barangay Pili.
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