DAR-Sultan Kudarat eases transportation of farmers’ products, turns over P55.7-M worth road
Isulan, Sultan Kudarat – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over an 8.9-kilometer farm-to-market road worth P55.7 million in this town to alleviate poverty in the marginalized target area and improve the quality of lives of its beneficiaries through sustainable agricultural development.
DAR Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs and Rural Development, and focal person for Foreign Assisted and Special Projects, Atty. Ranibai Dilangalen turned over the road to the local government unit of Bagumbayan in the province of Sultan Kudarat.
The project is being implemented under the Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD) project of the DAR in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government unit (LGU) of Sultan Kudarat.
“We are fortunate to have a government that prioritizes and supports the development of the poor and marginalized sector, a government that has a heart for farmers. Let us join hands in alleviating poverty and improve the quality of life for all,” Dilangalen said.
DAR SOCCSKSARGEN Assistant Regional Director for support services Roldan A. Ali congratulated the recipients saying the project will bring in more income for the farmers as they can easily transport their products to the market.
DPWH 2nd district Engr. Levie D. Trabado said that the 8.9 km FMR project stretches out from Brgy. Sumilil proper to Sitio Old Seguya, and connects to the road going to Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The FMR comprises a 3.52-kilometer concrete road, and more than a 5-kilometer gravel road.
Bagumbayan Mayor Jonalette Y. De Pedro thanked the DAR-MinSAAD, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for granting the project to the Bagumbayan LGU stating that this is the biggest project that the Bagumbayan has ever received from the agency.
“This road was just a dream of the constituents before, and now, it came true. This road will be a great aid in the transporting of products and commodities in the locality as it traverses the areas of which the largest agricultural land in the barangay is situated,” De Pedro added.
MinSAAD project manager Eduardo E. Suaybaguio, thanked the JICA – the funding agency, and the implementing agencies involved in the realization of this project. He also congratulated the recipients saying that this farm-to-market road will bring more opportunities for the production, and agricultural enterprise of various crops in the area.
“We are glad because we have long wished to have a road. For several years we suffered from small income from our products due to expensive hauling fees, it was also difficult for us to take the sick to the hospital, especially those who are about to give birth. But now, it will be easier,” said Barangay chairman Edelina.
The DAR-MinSAAD project covers 12 settlements in Mindanao, covering 3 regions and 7 provinces including Lanao Norte, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Compostela Valley and Davao del Sur.