ILOILO CITY — A newly upgraded stretch of the Guimaras Circumferential Road is making island travel more comfortable and reliable for Ilonggo visitors. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed an asphalt overlay of 26,481 square meters in Sibunag, Guimaras, promising safer journeys and stronger economic links between the two provinces.
A Smoother Ride Across the Island
The ₱95‑million project covered Barangay Concordia Norte and Barangay Ravina Norte, two key points along the island’s main highway. The fresh asphalt replaces worn surfaces that previously slowed down vehicles and made travel less pleasant. Now, tourists arriving from Iloilo via ferry can enjoy a seamless drive to Guimaras’s beaches, mango farms, and heritage sites.
The improvement comes at an opportune time as more travelers seek short getaways from the city. Guimaras, known for its sweet mangoes and pristine coves, has become a favorite day‑trip destination for Ilonggos and domestic tourists alike. A well‑maintained road network is essential to sustain that growing interest.
Safety Features for Day and Night Travel
Beyond the new pavement, the DPWH installed solar LED roadway lighting along the stretch. The lights improve visibility for motorists traveling during early mornings or after sunset, reducing accident risks. Reflectorized pavement markings and rumble strips further guide drivers, especially on curves and intersections.
Warning signs were also erected to alert motorists of upcoming turns and pedestrian crossings. These safety enhancements are crucial for a road that sees a mix of private cars, delivery trucks, and farm vehicles. The combination of smooth asphalt and clear markings gives travelers peace of mind.
Strengthening Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Ties
The upgraded road directly benefits traders who move goods between Guimaras and Iloilo. Farmers can transport fresh mangoes, cashew nuts, and other produce to the ferry terminal faster, preserving quality and reducing losses. For Iloilo’s markets and food processors, a reliable supply chain from Guimaras is vital.
Commerce flows both ways. Iloilo‑based businesses supply construction materials, consumer goods, and services to Guimaras, and a better road accelerates those deliveries. The economic interdependence of the two provinces makes infrastructure investments like this one a shared victory.
A Tourism Gateway Improved
Guimaras is often the first stop for tourists exploring Western Visayas beyond Iloilo City. The circumferential road connects ferry ports to inland attractions such as the Guisi Lighthouse, Trappist Monastery, and various beach resorts. With the road now smoother and safer, tour operators can offer more comfortable itineraries, encouraging longer stays on the island.
Iloilo’s tourism sector also gains from the upgrade. Travel agencies and hotels in the city can more confidently promote Guimaras as a hassle‑free add‑on to their packages. The improved accessibility enhances the overall visitor experience, strengthening Iloilo’s position as a regional tourism hub.
