COMPOSTELA, CEBU — Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño led the opening of the Dapdap-Mulao Diversion Road on August 18, restoring road access to three mountain barangays in the municipality.

The 250-meter diversion road is expected to improve mobility for residents of Barangays Dapdap, Mulao and Tag-ube, particularly after the previous provincial road connecting the communities was damaged by strong floodwaters brought by Typhoon Tino last year.

The opening also marked the announcement of a new provincial road task force that will focus on identifying and addressing road problems across Cebu.

Restoring access to mountain communities

The new diversion road provides an alternative route for residents after the old provincial road was severely damaged and eventually cut off before plunging into the river.

Dapdap Barangay Captain Joseph Vasquez said around 600 households in his barangay alone welcomed the opening, which restored a safer and more accessible route for residents.

The road is expected to benefit not only households but also the movement of goods, agricultural products and other essential supplies between the mountain communities and the town center.

Gov. Baricuatro said the provincial government’s focus on infrastructure is now expanding beyond healthcare facilities.

“Nasugdan naman gyod nato og ayo ang atong mga provincial hospitals, now it’s time to fix our provincial roads,” the governor said during the opening program.

Land donation helps road project

The governor also expressed gratitude to Helga Natad-Canen and her siblings, who allowed the provincial government to use their property for the construction of the diversion road.

Natad-Canen said the family decided to share their property because they viewed themselves as stewards of the resources entrusted to them.

“We are only stewards here on earth. Ang Ginoo maoy tag-iya sa tanan, tinugyanan rata. We received so many blessings, so amo sad ning i-share,” she told the Capitol PIO.

Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora said the diversion road measures approximately 250 meters and will eventually be concreted once the necessary groundworks are completed.

The project is intended to provide a more reliable connection for the affected barangays while the provincial government continues to assess other road infrastructure needs.

Cebu to create provincial road task force

During the opening, Gov. Baricuatro announced the creation of a provincial road task force dedicated to identifying and addressing road problems throughout Cebu.

The task force is expected to receive a budget beginning next year and will include municipal and city mayors as members.

The governor said involving mayors would help the province identify road problems more efficiently because local officials are familiar with the conditions and infrastructure needs within their respective jurisdictions.

The task force will serve as a mechanism for coordinating road assessments, identifying priority projects and responding to road concerns across the province.

“Libaong Hotline” for road complaints

Gov. Baricuatro also announced the creation of a hotline where residents can report damaged or defective provincial roads directly to the Capitol.

The governor jokingly referred to the initiative as the “Libaong Hotline,” encouraging the public to help the provincial government identify road sections that require immediate attention.

The initiative is intended to strengthen coordination between the provincial government and communities, allowing road problems to be reported and addressed more promptly.

The road task force and hotline form part of the administration’s broader effort to improve provincial infrastructure and ensure that communities, particularly those in remote areas, maintain reliable access to roads.

Joining Gov. Baricuatro during the opening were Fifth District Board Member Mike Villamor, Vice Mayor Froilan Quiño, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano, Mulao Barangay Captain Fausto Yungco and Tag-ube Barangay Captain Cherrylin Noquiao.

The opening of the Dapdap-Mulao Diversion Road marks another infrastructure project aimed at restoring connectivity in communities affected by natural disasters while laying the groundwork for a more coordinated approach to road development and maintenance across Cebu.