EXCAVATION AND gravelling works have started for the Tandag section of the Butuan City–Tandag City road, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways-Caraga Region (DPWH-13). “This road network will link Tandag City to Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and its endpoint will be in Butuan City. Its construction is now in second phase in succession to the completed project under (calendar year) 2017 contract” DPWH-13 Regional Director Pol M. Delos Santos said in a statement. A P180-million budget has been allocated this year for the second phase, which would cover 3.64 kilometers of gravel road traversing the upper woodland areas along the riverbank of Tandag River. The opened and compacted portion of the gravel road that was completed last year is already open for public use. The DPWH said there is no ready funding yet for its concreting. “We are giving our best by ensuring that the concreting of this road will be on track and it won’t be long because DPWH has identified the importance of this road, which will open many opportunities for economic development as two major cities of the region get direct connectivity,” Mr. Delos Santos said. — Mindanao Bureau