Members of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Press Corps and Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO) personnel checked on the progress of the ongoing construction of the Lambunao, Iloilo to Valderrama, Antique Road or the Panay East-West Road.
In coordination with Third District Congressman Lorenz Defensor, who ensures continuous funding of the project, the group was guided by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Lambunao in going to Brgy. Agsirab, the last barangay that could be reached by regular vehicle.
Construction of the remaining road section from Brgy. Agsirab to Brgy. Cabatangan up to the boundary of Valderrama, which is more than 10 kilometres, is still in the works.
The group also visited the road section in Brgy. Hipgos, Lambunao traversing the mountain.
Funding for the 41-kilometer Lambunao - Valderrama road started in 2017 during the time of Congressman now Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., brother of Congressman Lorenz.
Once completed, it will serve as an alternative road in going to the central and northern parts of Antique and from Antique to Capiz. It will also cut travel time from Iloilo to Caticlan in Malay, Aklan, the gateway to Boracay Island, from the current 5 hours to 3 hours.
The project, which has a total budget of PHP 2.4 to 2.8 billion, is expected to be completed by 2026.
