Beneficiaries of the subproject Hipona-Canapian-Quinabonglan farm-to-market road (FMR) with bridge initiated under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) were encouraged to conduct citizens’ monitoring during the implementation stage.

This was highlighted by Manuel O. Olanday, deputy project director of the Regional Project Coordination Office 6, during the groundbreaking of the P196,997,000-worth subproject on Oct. 26, 2017 in Hipona, Pontevedra, Capiz.

“These infrastructure—the 18.12-kilometer FMR and 15-meter bridge—are some of the government’s initiatives through the DA to achieve inclusive growth in the rural areas,” said Olanday. “These show the government’s genuine love and concern for the people, especially the farmers.”

He noted that these initiatives come with the beneficiaries’ responsibility as end-users. He urged them to regularly monitor the status of the subproject implementation to ensure transparency and accountability.

“Aside from ensuring that the subprojects will progress in accordance with the prescribed designs, standards, and timelines, we encourage your participation in monitoring.”

He said the citizens’ participation will boost their ownership in the process of implementation and eventually increasing their stake in the sustainability of the subprojects during operations.

“It would also be a good idea if all the seven barangay councils will come up with ordinances that will regulate the tonnage of vehicles that will pass this FMR. This is to ensure that the road will remain in good condition.”

The subproject will cover seven barangays: Hipona and Yatingan in Pontevedra, a coastal town; and Tuburan, Maalam, Manayupit, Canapian and Quinabonglan in Maayon, an upland municipality. Maayon and Pontevedra are third-class municipalities. There is a prevalence of low income earners in these areas.

“The completion of the FMR with bridge will reduce these farmers’ travel time by 45 percent, reduce vehicle operating cost by 60 percent, reduce input hauling cost by 40 percent and reduce output hauling cost by 40 percent,” he said.

Some 35,000 residents, mainly engaged in native chicken raising, corn, coconut, sugarcane, rice, and banana production, will benefit from the subproject. In particular, the corn farmers will benefit the most because there will be no middlemen to transact on their behalf. (John Paul Firmalino Cadiz, RPCO 6 InfoACE, Writer)