THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture-Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP) has approved a total of P278.764 million worth of farm-to-market road (FMR) infrastructure investments that will benefit farming communities in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani Province.
“These infrastructure investments represent DA-MIADP’s commitment to building more inclusive, resilient, and productive rural communities. By improving farm-to-market connectivity, we are helping farmers bring their products to markets faster, safer, and at lower costs, ultimately increasing their income opportunities,” Project Director Macario “Bong” Gonzaga said.
Among the approved subprojects is the Concreting of Barangays Anick and Renibon Farm-to-Market Road with Bridge component in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, with an estimated project cost of P88.846 million. The project will provide all-weather access to agricultural areas and improve mobility of the Manobo community in Erumanen ne Menuvu Ancestral Domain.
In T’Boli, South Cotabato, DA-MIADP approved the Concreting of Barangay Lambuling: Barangay Hall to Sitio Datal Bayong to Sitio Datal Lebe Farm-to-Market Road with an estimated project cost of P68.455 million. This FMR project was among the identified priority needs of Blaan and T’boli IP communities during their formulation of the Ancestral Domain Agricultural Implementation Framework (ADAIF) to support their traditional crops like coconut, coffee, banana, and abaca.
Meanwhile, the Manobo farming community of Manobo Dulangan Ancestral Domain in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat stands to benefit from the Concreting of Barangay Lagubang: Sitio Benibol to Sitio Paraiso Farm-to-Market Road, amounting to P47.171 million. This IP community largely grows coffee, corn, upland rice, and coconut among others.
Another major investment is the Concreting of Barangay San Roque: BRJ San Roque to Sitio Columbio Farm-to-Market Road in Malungon, Sarangani Province, with an estimated project cost of P74.292 million. Once completed, the road will provide a more reliable transportation route for agricultural products and essential services in Blaan-Tagakaulo Ancestral Domain.
The ceremonial awarding of the First No Objection Letter was held recently at the MIADP Project Support Office, which gives the signal to the respective LGUs to commence the procurement process.
During the ceremony, Gonzaga emphasized that as the implementation moves forward, DA-MIADP will continue to work closely with local government units, farmer organizations, indigenous cultural communities, and other project partners to ensure the timely and effective delivery of these vital infrastructure investments.
The four subprojects are expected to improve access to agricultural production areas, reduce transportation costs, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and strengthen market connectivity for farmers and indigenous peoples across Mindanao. (Sherwin B. Manual/DA-MIADP)
