KALBARYO SA BARRIO,’ this was how Floracel Cansing of Brgy. Glamang, in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur described the farm-to-market road (FMR) that for years served as the testament of the farmers everyday struggle in the community.

“During rainy season, the road transformed into a river. It was impossible for us to transport our produce to the market as vehicles cannot pass and often led to accidents,” said Cansing.

But those were now things of the past. Through the Concreting of the 8.81-kilometer FMR with 25 lines of RCPC Crossing Blocon Dalumay-Glamang FMR Subproject, around 6,658 residents have now easy access to markets and increase the quality of their produce through reduced postharvest losses and travel time.

This P177-million subproject traversing the agri production areas in the 22 barangays of Magsaysay is funded under the I-BUILD Component of the Philippine Rural Development Project-Regional Project Coordination Office XI (PRDP-RPCO XI) through the World Bank, European Union, and the Local Government Unit of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.

During the turnover ceremony on January 28, PRDP Mindanao Project Director Macario Bong D. Gonzaga highlighted the importance of steering and rowing approach in the development of the region’s agricultural landscape.

“It is important to recognize the contribution and efforts of the LGUs in the completion of this subproject. For years, Magsaysay has been an active partner of DA and PRDP in ensuring that farmers really benefit from the interventions of the government,” said Gonzaga.

Meanwhile, In his acceptance speech Magsaysay Municipal Mayor Ronie L. Sarande thanked the DA-PRDP for the strenthened partnership for the good of the people in Magsaysay. He also expressed his support for the DA in all its programs and projects. | via Celso Vergara, InfoACE-Davao