MANILA. - With the filing of House Bills 5157 and 5158 in the House of Representatives last week, Bohol First District Congressman Rene Lopez Relampagos proposes the conversion of two provincial roads, both in the town of Maribojoc, into national roads. The conversion into national roads would ensure annual funding for the repair, maintenance, and improvement of said roads and free up a portion of the provincial budget for other worthwhile endeavors and projects of the provincial government, the first-termer congressman said. House Bill 5157 seeks to convert the existing provincial road linking barangays Cabawan and San Roque into a national road, and House Bill 5158 corresponds with the sought conversion of the Anislag (passing through Punsod) - Aliguay provincial road.

The solon identified both provincial roads as vital access roads for the transport of agricultural and handicraft products bound for Tagbilaran and the neighboring town of Antequera. In both bills, Relampagos cited that constant rains and the frequent and regular use of both roads have impaired their usefulness or have seriously damaged them even as the provincial government faces the limited availability of local funds for the repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the over 800 kilometers of provincial roads. Relampagos stressed that both road sections require immediate attention, rehabilitation, and maintenance for the safe travel of the riding public, adding that the conversion is essential to the general welfare of the people in the locality and the neighboring municipalities since a well-maintained national road will complement the agricultural and economic activities, especially of those coming from remote inland barangays.