by Elvy T. Estacio, RPCOCAR Writer

The Provincial Government of Kalinga officially broke ground on a PhP256 million farm-to-market road (FMR) rehabilitation project at a ceremony held on October 10, at Pakawit, Pinukpuk, Kalinga.

Implemented under the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up, the 12.50-kilometer improvement of Pinukpuk Junction-Pakawit-Binansagan FMR is expected to serve 498 households benefiting 2,164 individuals (1,092 male and 1,072 female).

The subproject will directly connect barangays Pinukpuk Junction, Pakawit, and Bayaw to the national road leading to the market center in Pinukpuk and Tabuk City, further linking these areas to another national road heading towards Tuao, Cagayan. Upon completion, the enhanced infrastructure will boost the efficiency of local agricultural trade and support the community’s economic development.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Governor James S. Edduba, Pinukpuk Mayor Irving B. Dasayon, DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dr. Arlene M. Sagayo, and Upland Construction and Engineering Services representatives. 

Also present are members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and Sangguniang Bayan (SB), barangay officials, representatives of the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB), heads of offices and staff from the provincial and municipal LGUs, as well as DA-CAR technical staff, and subproject beneficiaries.

During the program, Governor Edduba emphasized the collaborative efforts that brought the subproject to fruition, highlighting support from the legislative body for approving the counterpart funding as well as the Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) headed by Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Domingo A. Bakilan, and the rest of the DA-PRDP team.

Pinukpuk Mayor Dasayon also expressed his gratitude to everyone’s contributions and urged the barangay officials and the beneficiaries to watch over the project.

“Makakita tayo ti kalsada nga permanente ngem awan ti permanente nu haan tayo bantayan ken proteksyonan (We will see a permanent road, but nothing is permanent without our vigilance and protection),” he stated.

RTD Sagayo expressed her enthusiasm for the FMR subproject, noting that poor road conditions have long hindered farmers.

“Now, women and men farmers will soon transport their products more quickly and efficiently, ultimately leading to higher incomes,” she said.

RTD Sagayo further mentioned that Kalinga has implemented PhP1.40 billion worth of infrastructure subprojects and PhP21.30 million worth of enterprise subprojects since the PRDP began. These projects are in support of coffee, banana, and heirloom rice among other commodities.

The Punong Barangays expressed their commitment to monitor the road project until its completion. 

“Nu malukatan daytoy nga project, umasideg ti ospital, haan kamin ag likaw nga mapan Taga. Maiyeg min pay ditoy sentro ti Pinukpuk ti produkto mi. Dakel ti agbaliwan nan tu nu malpas daytoy kalsa (With this project, we are closer to the hospital and can more easily transport our products to the market in Pinukpuk. The benefits will be substantial once this road is completed),” said Bayaw Punong Barangay Macario Balicod.

The SP members present during the event also shared their messages and commitments for the development of the province.

After the program, a pledge of commitment for the development of coffee in Pinukpuk was signed by the Governor and the Mayor.

The improvement of the Pinukpuk Junction-Pakawit-Binansagan FMR is the sixth infrastructure subproject in Kalinga approved under the DA-PRDP, with an expected completion date of September 2026.###