LANTAPAN, BUKIDNON – New hope rises for the farmers and residents of Lantapan as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) signaled the start of the  construction  of the Concreting of Road and Drainage at Purok 3 to Purok 5, Kulasihan Farm to Market Road (FMR) through a ground breaking  ceremony on September 1, 2022 in this town.

The 6.055km FMR, is the very first DA-PRDP subproject in Northern Mindanao funded under the Additional Financing 2 – European Union (AF2-EU) with an estimated project cost of Php 93,635,000.00.

Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and DA-PRDP 10 Deputy Project Director, emphasized the impact of the subproject once completed, saying;

“When the FMR is completed, you will greatly feel its impact; lesser travel time, cost of hauling and transportation, and easier access to your homes and farms, which is why I encourage everyone to actively participate in the completion of the subproject.”

“For the contractor, let us stick to the plan and follow the standards in accordance to the guidelines set by the World Bank for smoother and faster implementation, while the residents should serve as our eyes to see if there are unusual activities in the project site. Let us work hand-in-hand for the successful completion of this subproject so we can soon enjoy its benefits.” Director Madriaga added.

Meanwhile, Lantapan Mayor Ernie R. Devibar committed to address issues and concerns along the way to reach the subproject’s completion.

“We have been working for this subproject for almost six years so we won’t allow hindrances in completing this subproject. Our office is open to everyone with concerns about the subproject and we will do our best to solve these issues. I am also calling for everyone’s cooperation for a smooth implementation of the subproject”

A Pre-Construction Conference for the Kulasihan FMR was conducted on August 31, 2022 prior to the groundbreaking ceremony while its construction begins on September 5, 2022.

Said ceremony was also attended by representatives of Project Support Mindanao Office headed by IBUILD Component Head Maria Fe Gabunales, DA-PRDP 10 staff, LGU Lantapan staff, officials and residents of Barangay Kulasihan. (CSeraspe)