By Elvy T. Estacio, RPCO-CAR Writer

The Municipal Local Government of Kiangan, Ifugao officially broke ground on its new PhP136 million farm-to-market road (FMR) rehabilitation project at a ceremony held today, August 2, at Baguinge, Kiangan, Ifugao.

Implemented under the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up, the 6.6-kilometer improvement of Lamka-Mappit FMR is expected to serve 1,318 households benefiting 6,455 individuals within its influence area. The subproject will link barangays Baguinge and Duit in the municipality of Kiangan and barangay Panubtuban in the municipality of Asipulo.

The the capsule-laying ceremony was led by Kiangan Mayor Atty. Raldis Andrei A. Bulayungan, Vice Mayor Michelle Alice B. Baguilat, DA-CAR Agricultural Programs Coordinating Officer (APCO) for Ifugao Charlemagne S. Monayao, RPCO-CAR I-BUILD Component Head Engr. Gaston B. Cael, and ALFALFA Construction representatives. Subproject beneficiaries, DA-PRDP technical staff, and several LGU officials and heads of offices from the provincial and municipal LGU of Ifugao were also present to witness the event.

During the program, Mayor Bulayungan highlighted the collaborative efforts that brought the subproject to realization, noting its inclusion in the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) and the significant funding it received. 

“This is the largest funded project Kiangan has received, it benefits not only the people of Baguinge and Duit but everyone who will pass through it especially our farmers. We hope their production will increase,” said Mayor Bulayungan.

He emphasized the importance of proper coordination to meet the project’s specifications, timelines, and quality standards. Mayor Bulayungan further urged the community to continue supporting the subproject until its completion, demonstrating that Kiangan has the capability to implement such projects successfully.

Representing the DA-CAR, APCO Monayao expressed his enthusiasm for the commencement of the Lamka-Mappit FMR improvement. 

“I am happy to be part of this occasion as it marks the start of the construction of the Lamka-Mappit FMR,” he said. 

He noted that the subproject supports banana, coffee, and corn production, servicing 189 hectares of agricultural land with a potential expansion of 51 hectares. “This will help us produce our own food because the basic role of the DA is to help farmers achieve a higher income,” Monayao added.

The program concluded with a message by Kiangan Vice Mayor Baguilat.

“This marks another milestone for Kiangan as a whole, so congratulations to all of us,” said Mayor Bulayungan. He highlighted the partnership’s success in bringing together all stakeholders. “It is a cohesion of everybody’s hard work, patience, and dedication towards a community development that is both progressive and inclusive,” said Vice Mayor Baguilat.

The improvement of Lamka-Mappit FMR is the first subproject in CAR that was approved under DA-PRDP Scale-Up. It is expected to be completed in April 2026. ###