The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reaffirmed their commitment to completing a series of road connectivity projects worth PHP 130 million under the Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL IT) Program. This initiative aims to improve access to key industries and economic zones in Western Visayas, helping to boost regional trade and development.
Strengthening Economic Infrastructure
During a meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, representatives from both agencies discussed the implementation of nine ongoing projects that have been underway from 2018 to 2024. These road improvements will directly benefit critical sectors across the region, such as agribusiness, food processing, and the production of local industries.
DTI Regional Director Rachel Nufable emphasized the importance of prioritizing infrastructure improvements in areas with shared service facilities (SSF). “By ensuring better infrastructure in these locations, the program aims to further boost investments and economic activities in the region,” she said in a statement.
Key Projects Under the ROLL IT Program
The ROLL IT program spans multiple areas across Western Visayas, with a focus on supporting the region’s diverse industries. In Aklan, a new access road from NRJ Cabangila-Sitio Eahog, Barangay Catmon, Altavas to Barangay Agkawayan, Mambusao Capiz will improve access to coconut processing, food processing, and banig production facilities.
In Antique, another project aims to strengthen the agribusiness industry in Sibalom. Additionally, road improvements in Barangays San Ramon-Latazon-Liberato will connect to the Iloilo-Antique road and provide better access to the Laua-an public market and muscovado sugar processing plants.
Negros Occidental projects focus on connecting the micro-food processing industry in Bacolod City, particularly in Barangays Handumanan and Vista Alegre. Meanwhile, in Capiz, two projects will enhance access for the abaca industry in Jamindan and the cacao plantation in Tapaz.
A Collaborative Effort
The ROLL IT Program operates through a partnership between the DPWH and DTI, with each department playing a distinct role. The DPWH is tasked with identifying roads that require improvements, while the DTI focuses on prioritizing industries in need of support. This collaboration ensures that infrastructure improvements align with the region’s most vital economic sectors.
Long-Term Impact on Western Visayas
The ROLL IT Program is designed to significantly improve the connectivity of key industries to markets, processing plants, and major highways. By enhancing these connections, the program will stimulate trade, attract investments, and contribute to the long-term economic development of Western Visayas.
Both the DTI and DPWH are committed to the timely completion of these projects, with hopes that the improved infrastructure will create sustainable growth for local industries and facilitate broader economic success in the region. As the projects progress, the agencies will continue to work closely together to ensure that the needs of Western Visayas’ industries are met.