Panaon, Misamis Occidental -The successful turn-over of Farm-to-market road (FMR) in the municipality of Panaon, Misamis Occidental ignites another project as the ground breaking ceremony for the 2nd FMR under the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) was conducted on September 24, 2019 in this municipality.

OIC-Regional Director of DA-10 and Project Director of PRDP-10 Carlene C. Collado said in his message that the success of the implementation of the project depends on everyone’s involvement.

“The contractor, project engineer, and even the residents, have a role to play in making this project successful. Once this project will be done, we will enjoy its benefits that include better transport, minimize post-harvest losses, and even increase the value of our lot. I am further asking for your support and cooperation in monitoring the progress of the project. Let us be vigilant and ensure that the standards set by the World Bank is strictly followed in the implementation of the project in order to sustain its benefits,” Collado added.

On the other hand, Panaon Mayor Francisco T. Paylaga, Jr. recalled in his message the hardships they went through in order to have the second road project.

“A lot were being sacrificed, that includes resources and people who were involved in the realization of this project. This is our consolidated efforts and I am so thankful for your assistance in making this FMR possible. Today, we are witnessing the result of our effort and I am looking forward for your continued support until the turnover of the project” Paylaga said.

On his part, Misamis Occidental Governor Philip T. Tan described Panaon as a small municipality.

“But even though you are a small municipality, you have done great things, and true enough, you have proven that being a 5th class municipality is not a hindrance in providing comfort to our constituents. This 2nd FMR to be concreted is part of the provincial road and I lauded the LGU of Panaon for doing extra miles in bringing development faster to the residents” Tan said.

It can be recalled that the 1st FMR connecting the barangays of Sumasap, Villalin, San Andres, Poblacion, Map-an and San Roque with a length of 2.095 km with a cost of Php 33,879,164.15 was turned-over to LGU Panaon on March 14, 2018. The said project has provided ease to farming families from the said barangays.

The 2nd project which is the Rehabilitation and Concreting of Sumasap – Salimpono – Magsaysay – Bangko – San Juan FMR has a total length of 11.187 km with a total cost of Php 144,194,824.00 and will serve 2,524 farmers of coconut, rice, bananas, and lanzones among others.

The said projects are aligned to the government’s goal in attaining a food secure Philippines with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk. # (Cyrus Seraspe)