₱25-M road grant in Sablan, Benguet to open new link; Faster travel, bigger opportunities seen

SABLAN, Benguet – A ₱25-million road project is expected to bring faster travel, lower transportation costs, and new economic opportunities to residents of Sablan after the municipal government allocated the bulk of its ₱30-million Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) grant to the opening of the Banengbeng–Camog Road.

Mayor Alfredo Dacumos Jr. confirmed that ₱25 million of the grant will fund the construction of the 1.5-kilometer road, while the remaining ₱5 million was used for the municipality's rice subsidy program, which distributed five kilos of National Food Authority (NFA) rice to qualified families.

For residents of Barangay Banengbeng and neighboring communities, however, the road project represents more than infrastructure. It is seen as a long-term investment that could improve access to jobs, markets, schools, government services, and emergency assistance.

Local vendors and farmers expect the road to reduce hauling costs for agricultural products, while small business owners and transport operators are optimistic that improved accessibility will generate additional income opportunities.

Expected Economic and Social Benefits

At present, residents traveling to the municipal center often have to take a longer route through La Trinidad, increasing both travel time and transportation expenses.

Community leaders said the new road is expected to significantly shorten travel time, improve the movement of goods and services, and encourage the growth of micro-enterprises closer to the town proper.

The project is also expected to strengthen emergency response capabilities, ease the daily commute of students, and improve access to healthcare and other essential government services.

Construction Targeted This Year

Under the LGSF guidelines, fourth- to sixth-class municipalities may access up to ₱30 million from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for rice assistance and one priority infrastructure project.

The Sablan Municipal Engineering Office is currently preparing the program of work for the Banengbeng–Camog Road. Competitive bidding will follow to determine the contractor, with construction targeted to begin during the second half of the year and completion expected by December.

Mayor Dacumos assured residents that proper bidding procedures and project monitoring mechanisms will be implemented to ensure quality construction and long-term benefits for affected communities.

Residents Call for Safety Measures

While many residents welcomed the project, some expressed concerns regarding slope stabilization and drainage along portions of the proposed alignment.

Community members urged the municipal government to incorporate adequate safety measures and engineering safeguards to minimize risks associated with erosion, landslides, and flooding.

Part of Continuing Infrastructure Development

The proposed road project adds to a series of infrastructure initiatives recently completed or implemented by the municipal government.

Among these are the ₱5-million rehabilitation of the Bayabas Central–Calamay Road in Barangay Bayabas, which was completed in November 2024; the Local Access Road in Banao, Barangay Kamog, funded by the municipal government and completed in January 2019; the ₱15.5-million preventive maintenance project along the Baguio–Bauang Road, completed in December 2023; and the ₱45-million structural repair and stabilization works along Naguilian Road in Barangay Banangan, completed in May 2024.

Municipal officials said these projects form part of Sablan's continuing efforts to improve road connectivity, stimulate local economic activity, and provide better services to residents across the municipality.