DA-PRPDP inaugurates P61.9 M road project in Panabo City
Farmers and residents of Panabo City are now reaping the benefits of the newly rehabilitated farm-to-market road worth P61.9 million.
The 8-kilometer road concreting project connecting barangays Little Panay, Katipunan and Kasilak is under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).
“The PRDP is one of the more important projects under this administration as we continue to fight for inclusive growth not only in Panabo City but throughout the country,” said Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario of Davao during the recent road project’s blessing and inauguration ceremony.
“PRDP does not only deal with infrastructure such as roads but also look into the [enitre] development of the farming industry,” Del Rosario said.
PRDP Mindanao roads and bridges specialist Anthony Carl Orbe said rural infrastructure paves the way for other developments in the area beneficial to residents and farmers.
“With the concrete road, delivery of basic services will be more accessible. It would be easy for farmers to expand production and shift from traditional to a modern farming system,” he said.
Panabo City Mayor James Gamao said, the road project, which is one of the biggest DA projects in the city has improved transport and marketing of farm produce.
” The FMR project has reduced travel time from 45 to 20 minutes as well as the hauling and passengers’ fees. Eventually, this will lead to increase the profit of our local farmers,” Gamao said.
The FMR has a direct road influence area of 1,700 hectares planted to banana, coconut, rice, corn, vegetables and fruit trees and serving 6,000 farmers and residents.
As part of its maintenance and operations, hand tools were also turned over to the barangay officials. “I’ll assure you that I will personally to take the lead in the maintenance of the road,” said Kasilak kagawad Reginald Asumbrado.
PRDP is a special project of the DA jointly funded by funded by the World Bank, the national and local government units. It aims to promote market-oriented and climate-resilient agriculture sector. (Janelle T. Flores/DA-XI).