Carranglan, NUEVA ECIJA – The Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) is pushing the construction of the P72-million R.A Padilla-Bunga Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) as part of its efforts to stimulate growth and increase productivity in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

On September 11, 2020, the Regional Project Coordination Office (PRCO 3) led by Action Officer Gil G. David and I-BUILD Component Head Engineer Abraham Molina in cooperation with the Project Support Office (PSO) conducted a site inspection to validate the status of the subproject, here.

Rural Infrastructure Engineer Bon Alexis Guatato, assigned to supervise the FMR project, stated that the contractor and on-site workers strictly complied with the infrastructure guidelines in accordance with the health and safety protocols and guidelines.

Engr. Guatato said despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the FMR project has achieved 26.73% in its physical accomplishment at present.

He also stressed that the 7-kilometer road is intended to improve transportation and develop access to and from production areas here upon its completion this year.

“Once completed, rural farmers will enjoy reduced travel time in transporting farm products also improving market access thus widening opportunities here and other neighboring barangays,” said Engr. Guatato.

On the same day, DA-PRDP team had a dialogue with the key players from the municipality and the contractor regarding the required documents for the progress billing of the subproject.

Also present during the inspection are PSO I-BUILD Engineer Shiedel Delicano, PSO Geomapping and Governance Unit (GGU) Officer Engineer Romille David, RPCO 3 GGU GIS Data Officer Engineer Maurice Pineda, RPCO 3 Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Associate Prince Roy Cruz and officials from the Municipal Project Management and Implementing Unit (MPMIU) of Carranglan.  (MA. REINA LEN G. LUNA, RPCO3 InfoACE)