The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed a total of 1,739 infrastructure projects, along with the improvement, repair and rehabilitation of 145.724 kilometers of roads and bridges in Zamboanga Peninsula or Region IX.

This is through investing on massive infrastructure development program to sustain economic growth, especially in the major tourist and agricultural areas in Mindanao, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said on Thursday.

Singson said that these new infrastructure facilities are expected not only to improve the socio-economic status of the affected Mindanao cities and municipalities but will also promote peace and development in the area.

Among the completed high-impact projects is the Pagadian- Zamboanga City Road.

Agricultural crops such as corn, palay, coconut and other perishable products are now easily transported from the farm areas to the major markets and food processing facilities.

Under the United Kingdom and Austrian-Assisted Bridge Programs, four bridges, namely Opao, Sinunuc, Limpapa and Togbongon, were also completed.

Meanwhile, nearing completion is the Zamboanga West Coast Road, which is now 92.7 percent complete.

Once completed, this P3.509-billion road improvement project will complete the circumferential road in the region and will further spur economic and social activities.

Also, renowned tourist destinations in the region such as the Dakak Beach Resort and the historic Rizal Shrine can now be easily accessed by local and foreign tourists with the ongoing improvement of the 9.302-kilometer Dapitan-Dakak Road which is now 84.9 percent complete.

Region 9 is composed of the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay and the cities of Zamboanga and Isabela.