MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR – Farmers and residents from four barangays in the Municipality of Talayan and neighboring areas now enjoying the improved access from their farms to market following the successful turnover of a World Bank-funded Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) project on July 7, 2024, in Barangay Lanting.
The project, spanning 9.46 kilometers with two bridges connecting Barangay Tamar, Barangay Marader, Barangay Lanting, and Barangay Fukol, provides a significant boost to local agriculture. The project funded by the World Bank’s first additional financing worth Php 199.2 million, was completed on December 29, 2023.
Hon. Haron Kadatuan, Chairman of Barangay Lanting, expressed his gratitude and highlighted the transformative impact of the project. “Before, when the water was high, it would take 24 hours to cross the road to market. But now, with this road and bridges, we can easily transport our goods without suffering large expenses,” he said.
In her address, DPD Ammal D. Solaiman, JD, emphasized the turnover ceremony and the community’s responsibility in maintaining the new infrastructure. “We now give you the bell; it is now up to you on how to value and maintain the project given to us by PRDP.”
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform and the PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office BARMM, Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., underlined the importance of the FMR for agricultural development. “FMR is the key to agricultural development. Now after the turnover of this project, let’s focus on enhancing agricultural productivity through the provision of inputs, machinery, and other support to motivate you in your farming activities,” Minister Yacob said.
Meanwhile, Arnel Nul, Municipal Secretary of Talayan, representing Hon. Mayor Tungkang A. Midtimbang, expressed deep gratitude to the PRDP and all the representatives behind the project. “This project has brought great blessings to our town,” he said.
The turnover ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including MAFAR Bangsamoro Director for Agrarian Reform Taugan S. Kikay, Ph.D., local barangay and municipal officials, peacekeepers, and farmers beneficiaries from the community.
