The Municipal LGU of Kabayan, Benguet officially broke ground for the PhP106.60 million-worth Improvement of Balang-Bocao Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) with Vehicular Bridge at barangay Eddet, Kabayan on September 5. 

It has a road length of 2.345 kilometers with a vehicular bridge length of 72 linear meters. It is the sole access of Barangay Eddet, servicing around 178 hectares of production area planted with white potato, carrots, cauliflower, and tomato among other vegetables. It is the second FMR subproject in Kabayan under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP). 

The laying of the capsule was led by Kabayan Mayor Engr. Florante B. Bantales Jr., DA-CAR OIC-Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, RPCO-CAR I-BUILD  Component Head Engr. Gaston B. Cael, together with representatives from the Project Contractor – Balintugan Construction, municipal LGU officials/heads, Sangguniang Bayan members, and barangay LGU led by Punong Barangay Eric F. Postino. Residents of Barangay Eddet also joined to witness the official groundbreaking of the subproject

During the program, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Berry Sangao Jr. provided an overview of the subproject and its milestones. He also shared how they, the LGU technical working group, were able to fulfil the compliances and cope up with the challenges they encountered in the process of having the subproject approved. 

As construction works are about to commence, Municipal Agriculturist Geoffrey Binnaliw asked for the cooperation and understanding of the community since transportation will be limited and they might have to go back to the old means of carrying their agricultural products. He further urged them to reach out to the barangay or to the municipal LGU, should there be any issues related to the construction.

“This development is very beneficial for the community here and the adjacent barangays as well. This calls for a community effort so let’s cooperate and support this project,” Binnaliw added.

Eddet Punong Barangay Eric F. Postino committed to support and take care of the subproject together with the community members. 

Kabayan Mayor Bantales also assured that he will oversee the implementation of the subproject and that it will be completed in the earliest possible time.

“The LGU and the DA will always work hand in hand to bring an enormous and sustainable development in this community,” said Mayor Bantales as he expressed his gratitude to the community members and to everyone involved.

In her message, OIC-Regional Executive Director Atty. Dawayan acknowledged the collaboration, openness, and unity of the LGU and the community for having a common interest and for overcoming the hurdles that came along the way. 

“This is our collective responsibility to check, monitor the subproject because this is for the benefit of the community,” said Dir. Dawayan as she expressed her gratitude for the trust and for the continuing collaboration. 

The subproject is expected to be completed in 420 days around October of next year.// Elvy T. Estacio (da-prdp rpco-car writer)