TWO FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD PROJECTS LAUNCHED IN MAGUINDANAO TO BOOST AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform-Philippine Rural Development Project, Regional Project Coordination Office BARMM in partnership with the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur, broke ground on two Farm-to-Market Roads in Maguindanao on October 3.
The project was funded by the World Bank Second Additional Fund with a European Union Co-Financing Grant cost of 25-M with 10% equity from the Local Government Units of Maguindanao.
The project includes a 6.2-kilometer Concreting of Barangay Pandan Farm-to-Market Road with a total cost of 101.3-M and a 10-kilometer Concreating of Barangay Rempes-Barangay Darugao Farm-to-Market Road with a total cost of 150.8-M.
Ammal D. Solaiman, JD, Deputy Project Director of MAFAR-PRDP delivered her message in behalf of MAFAR-BARMM Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., highlighting the project’s pivotal role in bringing government closer to the community, aligned with the visionary directive of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, Al-Haj.
This collaborative effort between MAFAR-PRDP and the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur FMR Project promises a monumental upswing in Agri-fishery Productivity for Bangsamoro farmers, poised to usher in a new era of rural development and lasting peace.
“We would like to acknowledge the strong effort of our province which is willing to provide the equity for their municipalities. I hope all the stakeholders of this project will support in implementing this subproject,” said Solaiman. “For MAFAR-BARMM, we will give our full commitment because we want to provide a good future to our younger generation.”
Project Support Office Mindanao Director Abel James T. Monteagudo echoed his wholehearted support, pledging to champion RPCO and Local Government Units infrastructure initiatives that meet the criteria as long as LGUs step forward with their equity.
Provincial Governor Bai Mariam S. Mangudadatu of Maguindanao del Sur expressed profound gratitude to PRDP for turning this project into reality.
She emphasized that road accessibility is a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to address the needs of farmers, combat poverty, and maintain peace and order in the area.
“Itong proyekto ay napakaganda dahil ito po ang magbubukas ng pag-asa, development doon sa area kung saan ay magiging recipient ng project,” MDS Vice Gov. Nathaniel Midtimbang added.
On the other hand, Mayor Reynalbert O. Insular illuminated the significance of South Upi as a key agricultural hub, contributing 40% of the municipal corn production through the five Barangays connected by the 6.2km FMR.
The Concreting of Barangay Pandan Farm-to-Market Road is set to revolutionize road connectivity from South Upi to Talayan, streamlining the transportation of farmers’ produce.
Furthermore, it will facilitate seamless exchanges of commodities between farmers from South Upi and fisherfolk from the Municipality of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of key officials, including MDS Administrator Atty. Cyrus E. Torreña, Members of Sanguniang Panlalawigan, Municipal Engineer of Upi, 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Michael A. Santos, PA, as well as Municipal and Barangay Officials.