The 4.83-kilometer Farm to Market Road (FMR) connecting barangays Dolipos Alto and Dullan Norte opens opportunities to residents and farmers of the benefiting barangays as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP) officially turned over the road to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental on March 23, 2022.

Said FMR, which costs Php 55,432,444.73, has an influence area of 1,196.21 hectares planted with bananas, corn, cassava, coconut, abaca, rubber and cacao.

Oroquieta City Mayor Lemuel Meyrick M. Acosta expressed his gratitude to DA-PRDP 10 for granting the said subproject.

“This infrastructure subproject is not only for the smooth travels of the motorist but also to support the economic activities of the farmers that will alleviate their living condition, giving them better access to the market. The selling of quality produce allows them to gain more without spending too much on hauling.”

The mayor also encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize the use of the agricultural land by planting cash crops that are marketable and not much affected by the price hike.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado lauded the city government for their efforts to acquire and complete the subproject.

“There are only few LGUs in Misamis Occidental who were able to pass with the requirements and granted with the subproject, some even were not able to complete their proposals. Which is why I congratulate the city government for finishing this FMR that will help farmers earn a living and the needs of the residents can be responded immediately.”

Director Collado further requested the residents and officials of the benefiting barangays to pass an ordinance regulating the weights of the vehicle passing through the street and continue to maintain the good condition of the road that can be of service to the residents for a longer time.

Meanwhile, Josephine Tacang, chair of barangay Dullan Norte, revealed that receiving the project is a blessing to the barangay.

“Even when the project was not yet turned-over, it has already opened economic opportunities and provided jobs to the residents of our barangay. Indeed, I can really see a brighter future with the newly constructed road. With this, we promise to conduct regular operations and maintenance for the road and we will really take good care of this blessing given to us.”

Gracing the said turn-over ceremony are Oroquieta City Vice Mayor Jorge T. Almonte, Provincial Operations Center – Misamis Occidental Chief Sansen O. Tejano, PhilMech area manager for Mindanao Engr. Edgar Testa, subproject contractor represented by Engr. Christopher Ryan O. Baljon, officers and staff of the city and barangay LGUs, and DA-PRDP 10 staff. #