The improved 6.16-km Banneng-Darulog-Bawac Farm-to-Market Road implemented under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) was formally inaugurated on February 8, 2024 at barangay Dupligan, Tanudan, Kalinga.

Congressman Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, Governor James S. Edduba, DA-PRDP Project Support Office – North Luzon Deputy Project Director Elma S. Mananes, and DA-CAR OIC-Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan led the ribbon cutting rite along with several LGU and DA officials. 

The event was followed by a quick drive through the end of the FMR and a program at Darulog Elementary School. 

During the program, Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Domingo A. Bakilan shared the milestones of the subproject as he acknowledged the efforts of several individuals who contributed in the successful implementation of the project. 

The community members also expressed their commitment to maintain the FMR. 

“Habang dakami ti barangay officials, aramiden mi ti kabaelan mi nga mangbantay iti daytoy nga kalsada,” said Dupligan Punong Barangay Moises L. Rosario.

With the road improvement, Congressman Mangaoang reminded the community of the reason why the FMR was proposed as he urged them to revive their coffee areas and plant more coffee.

“Tanudan has been deprived of accessibility for so long, and as Punong Barangay Moises have committed a while back, we will make it a point nga ma maintain daytoy nga kalsada,” added Congressman Mangaoang.

In her message, DA-CAR OIC Regional Executive Director Atty. Dawayan commended the continued efforts of former and present officials in Kalinga, for having implemented and completed five FMRs and three enterprises under the PRDP. 

“The PRDP projects will always be a testament of collaboration. Project implementation becomes an easier task both for the proponent LGU and for line agencies like the DA when the ownership of projects is imbibed in the community and the LGUs are capacitated,” added Dir. Dawayan.

Director Mananes also acknowledged Engr. Bakilan, named as the father of PRDP in Kalinga, for spearheading the implementation of PRDP in Kalinga. 

“Kalinga has implemented the PRDP with flying colors, hitting around 1 billion-worth of investments —940 million infrastructures and 22.4 million enterprises,” said Dir. Mananes. 

She further commended the LGU officials of Kalinga for working together towards the continued development of Kalinga. 

“Among the 22 provinces of North Luzon, 4th ang Kalinga sa may pinakamalaking nakuha out of the 10.4B in the cluster. Congratulations po, almost 10% ang napunta sa Kalinga,” said Dir. Mananes.

Upon the completion of the FMR, Kalinga is hopeful for the approval of four more subprojects pipelined under the DA-PRDP Scale-Up.// (Elvy T. Estacio, DA-PRDP RPCO-CAR Writer)