The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) has switched on the green light to award the contract for the improvement of the 6.168-kilometer Banneng-Darulog-Bawac Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Tanudan, Kalinga.

Through the DA-PRDP National Project Coordination Office (NPCO), the FMR subproject was issued with a No Objection Letter 2 (NOL2) on April 6, 2022, allowing the proponent LGU to proceed with the awarding of contract to the winning bidder.

On April 12, 2022, DA Secretary William D. Dar, together with DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey, officially handed over the NOL2 for the FMR subproject to Kalinga Governor Ferdinand B. Tubban.

Kalinga Provincial Agriculturist & Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) Head Engineer Domingo A. Bakilan said that a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled on April 22, 2022 after the Pre-construction Conference.

Meanwhile, DA-PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office – CAR (RPCO-CAR) I-SUPPORT Component Head and Procurement Unit Head Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan added that on March 9, 2022, the Commission on Election (COMELEC) Campaign Finance Office approved the exemption of foreign-assisted projects, including the DA-PRDP, from the ban on the construction of public works during election period.

The FMR subproject has a total project cost of PhP152.38 million, and is expected to benefit around 479 households within its influence area.

As the project is connected to the improved Banneng-Gombowoy FMR, also implemented under the DA-PRDP, it is seen to further improve access to production areas from the proposed site, thereby reducing postharvest losses and travel time.// Elvy T. Estacio (RPCO-CAR InfoACE)