Army engineers to do infra projects in remote areas of Agusan Sur
By Jennifer P Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The 544th Engineer (Pioneers) Construction Battalion, Philippine Army assured the local residents, particularly those in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) within its area of responsibility, that the unit remains committed to its mission of delivering infrastructure development in partnership with various government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders.
The army engineers of the 544th Engineer Construction Battalion are well known for their mission of providing engineering support to Philippine Army units and special operations, while also contributing to national development through construction, disaster response, and infrastructure development projects.
In an interview conducted by the personnel from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Agusan del Sur, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Ricky N. Baguio, battalion commander, shared that there have been challenges that they were able to surpass as they brought supplies for the construction of roads and school-building facilities, among other projects in the GIDAs.
“In the past, accessing unpaved terrains in remote areas posed significant challenges. However, through the deployment of engineering equipment for graveling and grading, we were able to stabilize these surfaces, enabling the safe and timely delivery of government supplies for infrastructure development projects,” he recounted.
As to weather disturbances, Baguio revealed that their personnel have been trained on how to handle such a situation, as this already forms part of their operations.
“Over the years, residents in GIDAs have come to recognize that the government’s efforts are rooted in a genuine desire to serve their best interests by delivering essential developmental projects aimed at improving their quality of life,” he added.
Baguio recently highlighted the significant developments in Zapanta Valley—an area once considered extremely difficult to access. “Today, the presence of school buildings and other infrastructure projects has become a testament to the government’s sincerity in its commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that no community is left behind,” he added.
The Engineering unit of the Philippine Army has also formally turned over the completed 4.3-kilometer Farm-to-Market Road Improvement Project connecting Purok 5 to Purok 6 in Barangay Milagros to the local government unit (LGU) of Esperanza on May 5.
The 4.3-kilometer road opening project in Barangay Milagros is being implemented by the 544th Engineer Construction Battalion, the operational arm of the 52nd Engineer Brigade, funded by the LGU Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
“This vital infrastructure will connect remote areas within the barangay, significantly enhancing mobility, access to basic services, and economic opportunities for local residents,” Baguio underscored.
He further revealed that the road improvement project is the result of a collaborative effort that began with a groundbreaking ceremony and the signing of an inter-agency partnership agreement among the Philippine Army, the LGU of Esperanza, and TESDA Agusan del Sur on September 25, 2024.
The project aimed to improve access to remote agricultural areas, boost local economic activity, and uplift the living conditions of the community. (JPG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
