The Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) through the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) has issued no objection notice to two farm-to-market road subprojects located in Kalinga and Ifugao to benefit coffee farmers.

The approved subprojects include the Improvement of Catabbogan-Wagud FMRin Pinukpuk, Kalinga with a span of 13.5km and estimated project cost of P197,726,000.00; and the Improvement of Pula-Cawayan-Camandag FMR (11km) in Asipulo, Ifugao with an EPC of P221,144,000.

Benefitting around 1,631 households (8,662 population), the improvement of the Catabbogan-Wagud FMR covers seven barangays namely: Catabbogan, Malagnat, Taggay, Ammacian, Wagud, Aciga and Sacpil. Aside from coffee, other commodities thrive in these areas such as rice, corn, banana, coconut, and cacao. Also, the municipality of Pinukpuk ranked second as the largest producer of coffee in Kalinga.

On the other hand, the Improvement of Pula-Cawayan-Camandag FMR will traverse along four barangays namely: Pula, Cawayan, Camandag and Namal. It is the only road connected to the nearest provincial road from the town center which will benefit around 1,327 households with a population of 13,926. The rehabilitation of a 30-meter bridge connecting Pula to the other barangays was included in the proposal.

Catherine Buenaventura, PPMIU I-REAP Focal Person said that it is difficult to pass through the access road going to Namal especially during rainy days and it can only be travelled by foot which will take up to five to six hours at most.

The approved FMRs will connect municipalities and barangays in support to their coffee industry mainly, as well as other commodity industries in both provinces.

The subprojects supports the Kalinga and Ifugao Coffee Enterprise subprojects providing better access to production areas coming from the proposed project sites thereby reducing post-harvest losses, less travel time and encourage more production of coffee in areas influenced by the road.

Upon the approval of these subprojects, the LGU can now proceed with the publication of the Invitation of Bid (ITC) in the newspaper of national circulation and posting on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (Phil-GEPS) and the issuance of the standard bidding documents to prospect bidders. (Elvy S. Taquio, RPCO-CAR InfoACE)