Residents of two villages in Albay are reaping the benefits of a government coastal road project that has enhanced their livelihoods, transportation, health, and the aspirations of local students.

Luzviminda Balderama, barangay captain of Alimsog in Sto. Domingo, Albay, expressed gratitude for Phase 1 of the coastal road project in their village, which began in June 2024 and was completed in January 2025.

She said the project, funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2023, has transformed their lives and provided a sense of inclusivity in terms of development.

“The improvement in our area has been significant since we got a proper road. Our abaca growers have gained more exposure, and our quality of life has improved. Previously, farmers had to transport their products to the town by boat, and fishermen had to walk long distances. Now, they no longer struggle to sell their products because merchants come to buy from them. These are some of the positive impacts of this project,” she said in an interview late Monday.

Balderama also noted that the road construction serves as a seawall, protecting them from typhoons, especially storm surges.

“The project will not only benefit us but also future generations in our barangay. Transportation here used to be very difficult. Residents in three sitios had to rely on boats or walk along the seashore just to reach the barangay proper. In the past, only a few children wanted to go to school due to the travel difficulties. But now, their desire to finish their studies has significantly increased,” she said.

Balderama said the construction of the road opened doors for tourism development in their barangay.

“We are open to have more beaches and sure, it will attract more tourists and will create more employment,” she said.

Lucy Castaneda, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 5 (Bicol) said the project covers more than 877 meters, with more than 500 meters already completed as part of the first phase.

In another interview, Noel Serrano, barangay captain of Buhatan, shared that the project has positively impacted their community, particularly in changing the outlook of the youth.

“In the past, many young people only aspired to be good fishermen. But now, more and more are motivated to graduate and pursue better job opportunities, both locally and abroad. In our batch, only a few graduated because of the difficulty of going to the town proper. Before, when I was young, I needed to walk three hours just to go to school,” he said.

Serrano, a polio victim, said he was not immunized when he was young due to transport limitations but now, the rural health unit could easily and directly monitor the health condition of the residents due to the easy road access.

“When there is an emergency, it is easy now. The communication is easy and the transportation is very accessible already. For peace and order, the barangay tanod and the police can now have easy monitoring and dissemination of information to maintain peace,” he said.

The two barangay officials said they are optimistic about more projects from the government that would boost and enhance the livelihoods of thousands of lives. (PNA)