Farmers and residents from all the barangays of Besao, seven barangays of Tadian and one barangay of Quirino, Ilocos Sur are now directly benefitting from the 4.154-kilometer road stretch of the improved second segment of the Besao-Nacawang and Tadian Mabalite Farm-to-Market-Road, a completed road project under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) that was implemented by the Provincial Government of Mountain Province.

Held on February 8, 2023 at Barangay Batayan, Tadian, the inauguration and turnover ceremonies of the 91.867-million-peso project were led by Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., together with DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey, Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli, and Tadian Mayor Constito S. Masweng. The blessing of the road project was officiated by Fr. Winston G. Menong at the start of the said road.

Also present during the ceremonies were the barangay captains of the seven affected barangays of Besao, some Provincial Government and DA – RFO – CAR personnel, representative from the Office of Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel led by Deputy Provincial Director for Administration Police Lieutenant Colonel Crisante P. Sadino of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office, other Tadian officials, and some residents of the place.

During the program, Director Odsey said that the completed project will reduce post – harvest losses of farmers due to the shortened transport time of perishable agricultural products. Also, he said that the Farm-to-Market-Road (FMR) will support commodities of the influence areas such as coffee, heirloom rice, cabbage, bell peppers, tomatoes and fruits.

He also expressed appreciation to the collective efforts all officials and other stakeholders which led to the realization of the project.

“The good practice of politicians in the province, their ability to set aside differences and instead work together for the implementation of projects, is one of driving factors towards the successful implementation of projects,” expressed Dir. Odsey.

In his message, Governor Lacwasan thanked the DA for bringing many development projects and programs in the province. He also lauded the different stakeholders and implementing units that did their parts for the realization of the project and, likewise, congratulated the beneficiaries who are now enjoying better road access.

“Dakkel nan ninsayaatan nan nay da umili sina Mountain Province gapu sinannay da inyal-alin nan DA ay programa. Menpasalamatak sinan amin ay stakeholders ya amin ay nin trabaho. Amin tako at nen effort so nay, ginmawis nan kalsa taku,” Lacwasan said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Masweng also expressed his gratitude to the DA for bringing the project to their municipality and to the Provincial Government for efficiently implementing it. He also thanked the Barangay Captains, elders and other stakeholders who did their part to assure the smooth implementation of the project.

According to him, the FMR is very significant to the local farmers as it is now easier for them to transport their products.

Masweng also recalled that the Nacawang Road is one of the oldest roads in Tadian, which opened in 1960. He mentioned the importance of the road since it is an alternative route for travellers when there are road closures due to slides in the Sabangan and Bontoc areas of the Baguio-Bontoc Road.

In their respective messages, the present barangay captains from the affected barangays were one in expressing their gratitude to the DA-RFO-CAR, provincial and Tadian municipal officials and to other concerned offices who worked for the completion of the road project that is now benefiting their constituents. They attested to the direct benefits of the project, like the shortened travel time of commuters, which saves time for other productive activities. Some officials also mentioned the reduction of the hauling cost of outputs and inputs and the possible expansion of the existing coffee plantation in the area due to the improved road conditions.

The FMR is now benefiting a total of 2,660 households or about 18, 357 individuals.// (Erwin S. Batnag (PIO Mountain Province)