Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Php 205, 457, 351. 31 farm-to-market (fmr) road funded under the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (DA PRDP) that will boost the thriving citrus industry in Kasibu, Nueva, Vizcaya, March 18.

Dar said the FMR is underway for construction because the industry needs support by providing quality infrastructure support for the farmers. “This will be a big boost because we will expand the High-Value Crops industry that includes citrus.”

The 12.07 km FMR will cover some 1 850 has of farmlands that will provide easy transport access for agricultural products and inputs in the area. It will also reduce travel time, especially during the wet season, where transport is a challenge.

Kasibu Mayor Romeo Tayaban said the industry’s success would bid assistance from the national government. He thanked Dar for the support amidst the discouragement of farmers due to the unstable prices of commodities.

“There will be more reasons that our farmers will further engage in citrus farming because of the infrastructure support that will bring positive impact in this highland town,” Tayaban ended.

In her speech, Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Carlos Padilla, represented by Provincial Administrator Maybelle Dumlao-Sevillena, said the FMR would greatly support their constituents’ livelihood through faster transporting of fresh and quality agricultural products to their commercial centers.

“Masapul ngarud ti napigsa ken agtultuloy a suportayo para iti nabiit a pannakasemento ken pannakapintas dagiti tapnon nabibiit a dumanon dagiti produkto yo sadiay merkado,” said Sevillena.

Minerva Pumihik, Binogawan citrus farmer, said the much-anticipated subproject had been a boost on the morale of the farmers as it showed the government’s presence.
“Finally, the project is here. We have been waiting for this to be completed as farmers will surely benefit from the intervention.” (Info Ace Cagayan Valley)