The farmers, beneficiaries, representatives from the Department of Agriculture and barangay officials joined Mayor Joseph Salvador Tan in the groundbreaking ceremonies of Baluarte- Sinili farm-to-market road (FMR) on May 10, 2019.

“With this subproject, it is hoped that the enterprises earlier inaugurated will prosper. This 7.37 kilometer-FMR does not only support peanut but also mungbean commodity within the road influence area,” Mr. Hector U. Tabbun, RAFIS Chief, who represented DA- RFO2 Executive Director and RPCO 2 Regional Director Narciso A. Edillo said.

“This FMR which amounts to 82 million pesos will greatly help our smallholding farmers here. Peanut and mungbean are grown in these areas. It will now be easier for the farmers in transporting their commodities from the production areas to the enterprises,” Mayor Joseph Salvador Tan said.

“The City Government has provided 10% of the total cost. 10% came from the Department of Agriculture through the PRDP and 80% from the World Bank.”

With Mayor Tan were Dr. Rodelio Diego, City Project Management and Implementing Unit Head, the different Department Heads, and barangay officials.

Meanwhile, Engr. Ullysses Viernes, RPCO 2 Rural Infrastructure Engineer who accompanied Mr. Hector Tabbun said that the FMR also leads to Gulac, Diffun, Quirino, thus easing the problem of transportation of products.

Calaocan-Batal, Sinsayon -Cabulay, and Rizal-Abra are three other FMRs awaiting No Objection Letters (NOL 1) from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO).

(With reports from Ferdinand Cortez)