KORONADAL CITY - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 12 (Soccsksargen) announced the completion of a PHP115.8 million bypass road on Monday, aimed at improving traffic flow in the agricultural town of Banisilan, North Cotabato. The newly built Malapag-Tinimbacan-Banisilan Bypass Road spans 4.531 km. and features two lanes, paved shoulders, and a lined canal. 'The diversion road will redirect traffic from alternate routes, reducing travel time, distance, and overall vehicle operating costs for road users,' DPWH-12 Director Basir M. Ibrahim said in a statement Tuesday. The project, funded through the General Appropriations Act of 2023, marks a significant step in enhancing local and regional connectivity, contributing to economic growth, Ibrahim added. Banisilan, an agricultural hub in North Cotabato, is known for producing crops, such as corn, palay, rubber, sugarcane, and fruit trees. Local farmers are expected to benefit significantly from the improved infrastructure. 'This new road not o nly provides better access for commuters and motorists but also plays a key role in promoting development and prosperity in the community,' Ibrahim said. In a related development, DPWH-12 reopened the Midsayap-Makar Road on Monday after being closed for a decade due to road right-of-way issues. The reopening is expected to boost economic activities in areas along the route. The road connects Midsayap in North Cotabato to Datu Piang and Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur, Isulan and Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat, and Koronadal in South Cotabato before reaching Makar in General Santos City. Farmer Ismael Isidro, 60, of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, said the reopening has drastically reduced travel time from North Cotabato to General Santos City for farm deliveries, now achievable within one to two hours. 'Safe travel for all, thank you, DPWH,' he said in the vernacular. Source: Philippines News Agency