Agusan Norte town completes access road to evacuation center
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The concreting of the access road in Barangay Rizal, a crucial evacuation route leading to the Regional Evacuation Center, has been completed in the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
The project is expected to significantly boost the community’s disaster preparedness, improve mobility, and ensure safer passage for vulnerable families during emergencies.
Assistant Municipal Engineer Edith Abuzo shared that the project involves the P3,978,568.35 LGU-funded concreting of a 183-meter access road, installation of 910mm ARC pipe culverts, and stone masonry works. Completed ahead of schedule, the newly constructed road now allows residents to benefit sooner from improved accessibility and enhanced safety.
Rizal Punong Barangay Valeriano Buling Jr. expressed heartfelt gratitude, stressing how the project directly uplifts the lives of his constituents. “Dako gyud among pasalamat kay kini nga dalan dili lang pang-evacuation; mas pasayon na ang among pagbiyahe adlaw-adlaw. Mas dali na ang serbisyo sa health workers, ug kung adunay emerhensiya, mas paspas ang pag-responde.”
(We are truly grateful because this road is not only for evacuation; it also makes our daily travel easier. Health workers can now reach us faster, and during emergencies, response time will be quicker)
Buling added that the completion of the access road brings residents a stronger sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that they now have a reliable route during disasters.
Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble emphasized that improving road access to evacuation centers remains one of his top priorities in strengthening the municipality’s disaster readiness.
“Ang kaluwasan sa katawan dili gyud nato kalimtan. Mao nga ginaprioritize nato ang mga dalan nga padulong sa evacuation centers para dali ang paglikas ug mas luwas ang tanan (We will never overlook the safety of our people. That is why we prioritize roads leading to evacuation centers, to ensure quick evacuation and better protection for everyone),” Mayor Roble said.
The local chief executive, on November 5, personally inspected the Regional Evacuation Center to assess its current condition and identify additional equipment needed for future enhancements.
Roble reaffirmed his commitment to supporting continued development in the municipality’s barangays, noting that projects such as the Barangay Rizal access road demonstrate Buenavista’s dedication to community safety, accessibility, and resilience. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)