Lilo-an, Southern Leyte – The long wait is over as residents and local officials join hands for the much-awaited groundbreaking ceremony of the Rehabilitation/Improvement of Brgy. San Roque – Brgy. Bahay FMR with Three Bridges subproject of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) with a total cost of Php233 million.

Construction works is expected to commence in a few days for the 19.40-kilometer road.

“This is the biggest PRDP-funded infrastructure subproject in the region. Perhaps, it even ranks among the highest throughout the country,” said DA Regional Office – 8 Executive Director U-Nichols A. Manalo.

“This road subproject will surely boost the locality’s agriculture and tourism potentials. Its location is ideal. By the roadside, you will see scenic views that lie along coastlines.  Its fishery resource remains abundant. On the other side of the road is averdant expanse suited for crop and livestock production. This place has a lot to offer,” added Director Manalo.

Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office – VIII Executive Director U-Nichols A. Manalo also calls  on the youth to be proactive in becoming champions of agricultural projects.

Once completed, the FMR will link the municipalities of Lilo-an and San Ricardo. It shall directly benefit the residents of barangays San Roque, Anilao, Candayuman, Guintoylan, Estela, Pandan, Caligangan, Catig, Malangza, Pres. Quezon, and Bahay, in the municipality of Lilo-an, and barangays Saub, Bitoon, and San Ramon, in San Ricardo. It is expected to benefit a total of 2,203 households.

Aside from coconuts which occupy the largest portion of the agricultural area, other agricultural products in these barangays include rice, corn, banana, abaca, and root crops. Lilo-an contributes a significant share in maintaining the province’s prestige in coconut and abaca industries of the region.

“It is definitely exciting to see how this road will generate impact in terms of increasing the income level of our rural constituents, especially the farmers – which is the overriding objective of the PRDP,” said National Deputy  Project Director Engr. Cirilo N. Namoc.

Meanwhile, Juditha M. Yega, a subproject beneficiary testified, “We expect that this road will result in a shorter travel time and lesser fare for us in bringing our farm products to the market. We are even expecting marketing will become easier as buyers or traders might already visit us. Moreover, it will lessen incidence of children dropping out from school. Usually during rainy days, it is risky for students to go to school because the road becomes slippery and inaccessible for motor vehicles.”

For his part, Congressman Roger G. Mercado revealed, “I dream of a better road network connecting the entire Panaon Island.  This road subproject is a milestone towards that direction, and I am thankful for the support of the DA. But, let me clarify that PRDP is not only about roads. It also aims at providing better income opportunities through agri-based enterprises. This is something unique about the PRDP. ”

Residents gather in what they call a “historical and victorious” day for the province of Lilo-an, Southern Leyte.

Another highlight of the activity was the ceremonial turnover of checks for PRDP’s small livelihood subprojects under its Enterprise Component (I-REAP) with a total amount of Php8.10 million.  This financial aid will be used for various enterprise subprojects involving swine fattening, and duck and native chicken production of proponent groups from the municipalities of Maasin, Anahawan, Hinunangan, San Juan, Padre Burgos, San Ricardo, Tomas Oppus, and San Francisco, in Southern Leyte.

Eight small livelihood project enterprises in the province of Southern Leyte were called for the symbolic turn-over of checks.

The event was attended by political leaders led by Governor Damian G. Mercado. Also present during the event were representatives from PRDP-PSO Visayas headed by its deputy project director Engr. Jose Albert A. Barrogo.(Rodel G. Macapanas, RPCO 8 InfoACE)