BAYBAY, LEYTE — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully completed a significant road safety project in Barangay Imelda, Baybay town, aimed at protecting motorists and pedestrians from flooding and landslides.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH-Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) under the guidance of Director Edgar B. Tabacon, has constructed a 92-meter slope protection structure alongside 165 lineal meters of lined canal. Additionally, the project encompassed the reconstruction of a 180-lineal meter road segment and implemented various engineering measures to effectively manage excessive water during intense rainfalls, which heighten soil erosion and landslide risks.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan emphasized the dual objectives of the initiative: ensuring the safety of both local residents and travelers, and building resilient infrastructure that bolsters productivity regardless of adverse weather conditions. The project, costing PHP51.5 million, was funded through the 2023 General Appropriations Act and executed by the DPWH Leyte 5th District Engineering Office. Bonoan’s remarks were part of a media release issued on Wednesday.

The construction of the slope protection structure is a strategic response to the historical susceptibility of Barangay Imelda to natural calamities, underscoring a broader effort to enhance the community's resilience against nature's unpredictabilities.