THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is aiming to open the Panay East-West Lateral Road in 2020, which will connect Antique, the central and northern parts of Iloilo, and Capiz in Panay Island. The P2.6-billion project covers the construction of a 41-kilometer road, including bridges and slope protection. Once completed, it is expected to cut travel time from central Iloilo to Antique by 30 minutes. DPWH said around 300 motorists pass this route daily. “More than the shorter travel time, the road is seen to boost tourism and deliver positive impacts on the agricultural productivity in the highland communities in Western Visayas Region,” the agency said in a statement. — Denise A. Valdez

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