A safer and more accessible route is set to serve communities in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya as the 10.86-kilometer Pangawan-Banao Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) officially commenced through a groundbreaking ceremony held on September 24, 2026 in barangay Pangawan.

Funded under the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up, the project is expected to address the long-standing transportation challenges faced by residents in the mountainous communities, particularly during rainy season.

The Pangawan-Banao FMR will directly connect the barangays of Pangawan and Banao, providing communities with improved access to markets, basic services, and other economic opportunities. The project is expected to benefit 251 Indigenous Peoples (IP) households, comprising a total population of 1,078 residents.

DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. served as the guest of honor and was represented by Usec. Arrey A. Perez, DA Undersecretary for Agro-Marine Industrial Systems, who delivered a message during the ceremony.

“Mas maraming ani ang makararating sa merkado, mas mababa ang gastos, at mas malaking halaga na pinagpaguran ng ating mga magsasaka ang mapapakinabangan ng kanilang mga pamilya,” Usec. Perez said.

He also highlighted the planned establishment of a seed hub in Nueva Vizcaya, which aims to further support agricultural productivity in the province.

Also present during the groundbreaking ceremony were DA Regional Executive Director Rose Mary G. Aquino and Kayapa Mayor Elizabeth D. Balasya, who delivered their respective messages in support of the project and its expected contribution to the municipality’s development. RED Aquino also introduced the guest speaker.

Joining them were Engr. Noemi L. Carpio, OIC, Office of the BAFE Assistant Director, DA-PRDP Deputy Project Director and RTD Kay S. Olivas, RTD Roberto C. Busania, DA-NVES Manager Arsenio Apostol, RAFC Chairperson Dante Tobias, Kayapa Vice Mayor Atty. Glennson A. Dangis, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Representatives from the Office of Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito and Representative Timothy Joseph E. Cayton also attended the event.

The ceremony was likewise graced by Dupax del Norte Mayor Atty. Juan Paulo E. Cayton, Aritao Mayor Remelina Peros Galam, Kasibu Mayor Romeo C. Tayaban, and Sta. Fe Vice Mayor Tidong A. Benito, reflecting the support of local government leaders for investments that strengthen rural connectivity and agricultural development.

Through the collaborative efforts of the DA-PRDP, Municipal Local Government Unit of Kayapa, Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, and other project partners, the Pangawan-Banao FMR is envisioned to provide safer and more reliable transportation for residents while improving the movement of agricultural products from farms to markets.

Beyond improving road access, the project is expected to help reduce transportation costs, shorten travel time, improve market connectivity, and create greater economic opportunities for farmers and other residents in the beneficiary communities.

Through continued investment in rural infrastructure, the DA-PRDP Scale-Up seeks to strengthen community connectivity.