Bicol River Basin development projects, secondary and feeder roads, Camarines Sur, package I : project completion report

Subproject (SP) 1, the San Isidro-Libmanan-Cabusao Road, was completed with the construction in segment A of 5.15 km of secondary roads, 10.03 km of 2 feeder roads, and 7 bridge spans, and in segment B of 9.35 km of a secondary road, 9.27 km of 2 feeder roads, 2 bridges, and 1 timber trestle structure. Work was retarded by lack of equipment (eventually corrected) and by 10 typhoons. Travel between connecting points was reduced from 2 to under 1 hour, public and farm produce transport needs are being met, and 2 rice mills and a feed mill have helped increase trade along the road. SP 2, the Danao-Pasacao Road, was delayed in improving and constructing 8.883 km of secondary and 15.044 km of feeder roads and 1 concrete and 4 timber trestle bridges due to a 1-year-late start-up, consultant withdrawal and project rebidding based on increased oil prices, equipment shortages, typhoons, and death and injuries of personnel. Since completion, a new oil mill at the terminal of Pasacal Port road has stimulated copra trade, traffic has increased between points, and all-weather transport of farm goods is available. The road also provides basic infrastructure for the Government"s development program. SP 3, Contract Package No. 1, the Calabanga-Sibobo Section, constructed 10.329 km of secondary road, and 18.183 km of feeder road. Work lagged behind schedule due to high fuel costs, bad weather, and equipment and personnel problems. The SP has led to reduced travel times, travel costs, and vehicle maintenance costs and to promotion of new land development. SP 3, Contract Package No. 2, the Sibobo-Tinambac Section, improved 11.842 km of secondary road and 6.775 km of feeder roads and replaced 6 timber trestle spans and 1 bailey panel structure with concrete spans. Problems again included substantial commodity cost increases, poor weather, and equipment problems; these necessitated some reductions in the level of secondary road improvements. The improved road has resulted in reduced distances and increased transport between points, promotion of regional growth, and expansion of aquatic products.