A ceremonial ground breaking was held on April 27, 2017 for the Improvement of Km. 49 – Ambakian Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) to benefit coffee farmers in Benguet.

Funded under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA PRDP), the 10.78km FMR with a project cost of 203.6 million will cover barangay Paoay in Atok and barangay Batan in Kabayan. Within its influence area, the FMR will benefit 1,263 households with 6,352 populations.

Gaspar Cato, a farmer from the farthest sitio in Batan, describes the road risky and unsafe especially during rainy season. It is a muddy one-way road making it impossible for two vehicles to pass at the same time. Due to the narrow road, some properties will mostly be affected by the rehabilitation including his. However, Catok asserts that it is okay if part of his lot will be affected as long as the road will be improved.

“Basta sumaya-at ti kalsada, okay lang nga matamaan dijay batog ko (as long as the road will be improved, it is okay if part of my property will be affected),” he said.

Batan is isolated from the municipality of Kabayan. Due to lack of roads, residents in Batan usually goes around Baguio City and pass through Ambuklao Road for 5-6 hours to reach Poblacion, Kabayan where the municipal hall is located. Thou most residents prefer a long drive going to Poblacion, Cato said that some still chooses to travel for 3-4 hours by foot.

Roles redefined, challenges accepted

“This project is a collective effort brought about by innumerable sacrifices both from the implementers and beneficiaries” said Gov. Cresencio C. Pacalso, in his message. He also thanked the project affected persons for donating parcels of their land to make this subproject successful.

Expressing the same sentiments, PRDP Project Support Office (PSO) Deputy Project Director Elma C. Mananes challenged the community to help in the monitoring and implementation of the FMR subproject.

“As our partners, let’s prove that we are worthy of this subproject” said Mananes. In response, both barangay chairman of Paoay and Kabayan, whole-heartedly accepted the challenge and committed to help in overseeing the project implementation.

Aside from ease of transport and accessibility, the improvement of the road will also open opportunities for the tourism industry in the province and may serve as an alternate route to and from Baguio City and other neighboring towns.

The FMR is expected to be completed in 570 calendar days or 18 months. It will be constructed by FIAT Construction Services under the Implementation of the Provincial LGU of Benguet.// (Elvy S. Taquio, DA-PRDP CARPCO InfoACE)