The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) officially turned over the 3.6 kilometer Kepeng-Ungus Matata Farm to Market Road to the Municipality of Tandubas last February 20, 2020.

The ceremony was headed by Mayor Hadja Rahiema A. Salih and Vice Mayor Fatima Saida A. Maing together with the municipal officials and project beneficiaries.

This P33 million worth FMR now provides better and faster transportation to the farmers. It is expected to reduce travel time by 50%, increase traffic count by 60%, and reduce hauling cost that will eventually result to improvement in social and economic services in the area for the 4,317 individual beneficiaries or 610 households.

completed road leading to the farm areas and communities of the farmers

Tandubas is known to be as one of the producers of seaweeds. Through this road, transportation from far barangays to the port will be now easier and faster as they can finally travel by land unlike before that they had to wait for the high tide so they can travel by boat. Aside from seaweeds, farmers here also produce cassava, and coconut

In her message, Mayor Salih expressed her gratitude not only to World Bank and DA-PRDP but also to all the support that the municipality got from the Province and to the hardworking people behind this success.

“I’m thankful for all your support and I know that this is only the beginning of more projects to come in our municipality. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that we will implement projects with good quality and standards,” said Mayor Salih.

Last year, they also turned over a P21 million worth project from DA-PRDP for the construction of Ballak Warehouse with Solar Dryer worth P4.96 million; Tapian Warehouse with Solar Dryer worth P4.96 million; Silantup Warehouse with Solar Dryer worth P4.96 million; Tapian Soka Fish landing  worth P 6 million.

The warehouse and solar dryer now being used by the farmer beneficiaries in Tandubas. (Photo by Tamie Malali)

These completed subrpojects are now being used by the farmers in Tandubas for the improvement of their livelihood through better quality dry seaweeds and crops. (Joy M. Montecalvo/ PSO Mindanao)