LIGAO CITY, Albay, Philippines — To spur economic progress in the 3rd district of Albay province, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the 3rd Albay district engineering office (DEO) is accelerating the rehabilitation and concreting of the Albay West Coast road project in the towns of Libon and Pio Duran.

In a report to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and Regional Director Danilo E. Dequito, District Engineer Efren C. Manalo said road concreting project in Libon and Pio Duran will complement the operation of the ports of Pio Duran and Pantao in Libon to increase the trade and commerce in the area.

“Many residents in these municipalities are depending on marine and agricultural industries for their livelihood. That is why we are fast-tracking the projects as vital access to these port facilities,” Manalo said.

For the current year 2011, Manalo said the DPWH infrastructure program has set aside P28 million for road upgrading (gravel to asphalt) of the Albay West Coast road.