Agriculture Secretary William Dar officially turned over the completed 8.073 km Ricarte Sur-Magsaysay farm-to-market road in Diffun, Quirino, to benefit farmers and communities along the road of influence under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) today, September 4, 2021.

The road project that connects four (4) villages in this part of town will now enjoy easy access through road networks to transport their goods and agricultural produce.

Quirino Congressman Junie E. Cua said his province was thankful for Dar’s visit as the Secretary is committed to helping the agriculture sector grow.

Cua reminded his constituents not to lose hope in this trying time by speaking to his fellow Quirinians through virtual during the said event held at the Quirino Water Sports Complex.

“With your leadership, we will survive and thrive, especially in agriculture Manong Willy,” Cua ended.

In response, Dar committed to a continued partnership under the DA PRDP Additional Financing 2 recently approved. “We will work together as real good partners.”

Dar said the excellent partnership of the Provincial Local Government of Quirino and the DA resulted in a robust collaboration that is sustainably helping the farmers and fishers in the province. “You have leaders that you can count on, leaders that support the grassroots.”

Meanwhile, Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua thanked Dar for visiting the province. He said that they will always support the agricultural projects that DA is initiating to uplift the lives of their constituents.

On the other hand, Liza Eugenio, village chief of Ricarte Sur, Diffun, said the immediate impact of the said completed road subproject (SP) is felt as many residents relay to her the easy transport of agricultural inputs and materials. “It is easy now to travel especially transporting the agricultural inputs that our farmers need in food production.”

In addition, Doña Imelda Village Chief Edna Plan said that roads are part of progress and development. “The roads are proof that our farmers can achieve an optimum result by this newly built SP.” Plan and Eugenio also thanked Secretary Dar, Governor Cua, Congressman Cua, MLGU Diffun, and all stakeholders.

The two (2) women leaders are committed to support and maintain the given SP.

DA Cagayan Valley Executive and Project Coordination Office Director Narciso Edillo said that this was the result of the commitment of the local office of DA in uplifting every farmer and fisher in the region.

“This SP is part of the DA’s intervention in making a Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita.”

The FMR under DA PRDP IBuild component registers a total project cost of Php 136, 787, 937.44. (InfoAce Unit)