DAR turns over Php 31-M bridge, facility and equipment to improve farmers’ lives in Aklan
The plea of Aklan residents, including the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of Barangay Talon and Lumaynay, in Altavas, to have an easier way to cross the river to transport their agricultural products to the nearest market were finally answered through the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), with the completion of the P31 million-worth of bridge under the Tulay ng Pangulo Para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo (TPKP) Project.
DAR Western Visayas Regional Director Sheila B. Enciso said the “Lumaynay-Talon bridge” links the two barangays to the economic mainstream and open opportunities for the ARBs and other farmers to enhance their agricultural productivity and household income.
"This project is the DAR and other agency’s common goal to help the community overcome their long-standing problem which hinders the transportation of goods to the market and the delivery of public service in the area," Enciso said during the turn-over ceremony.
Aklan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Ma. Teresa C. Valencia said the 0.16m x 6.95m x 63.8-meter two-lane bridge worth P31.04 million is being implemented under the TPKP of the DAR, in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government unit of Aklan.
“The completion of the two-lane bridge project will benefit a total of 3,182 residents and commuters of the two barangays of Talon and Lumaynay, wherein 112 are agrarian reform beneficiaries,” Valencia said.
In the same event, the DAR also turned over marketing support facilities and farm equipment worth P341,670.00 to various agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) to help the ARB members in their collective marketing activities and improve their agricultural productivity.
“These facilities and equipment were procured thru the ARBOld Move Project to support the ARBs who are the most affected and vulnerable to the risk of COVID-19 Pandemic,” Valencia said.
The following marketing facilities and farm equipment were provided to the various ARBOs in Aklan: (a) 1-unit cargo tricycle for Catmon Multi-Purpose Cooperative worth Php139,000.00; (b) 2-units knapsack sprayer for Lumaynay ARB Farmers Association (LARBFA) worth Php 5,000 ; (c) 1-unit cargo tricycle worth Php 139,000.00; 1-unit cacao grinder worth Php 20,320.00; and 1-unit collapsible dryer worth Php 28,350.00 for LORRI Agrarian Reform Cooperative (LARC); (d) 2-units Knapsack sprayer worth Php 5,000.00 for Alfonso XII Pampango ARBs Association (APARBA); and (e) 2-units knapsack sprayer worth Php 5,000.00 for Mamba Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (MARBA).
Enciso led the inauguration and turnover ceremony with Aklan provincial Governor Florecio T. Miraflores, District 1 representatives and other DAR and local officials of Aklan.