The Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) of the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) has endorsed two farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in the Philippines. These projects have been welcomed by the provincial government of Dinagat Islands and the local government of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.
During a recent meeting in Butuan City, the RPAB endorsed rural infrastructure projects valued at approximately $8.88 million to the DA-PRDP National Project Coordinating Office (NPCO). The projects include the concreting of a 4.12-kilometer FMR in Sitio Patag, Barangay Garcia, Libjo, Dinagat Islands, costing around $2.68 million, and a 15.4-kilometer FMR in Sitio Pamintigan, Barangay Hinagdanan, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, worth approximately $6.21 million.
Jorge Daligdig, chief of the Provincial Planning and Development Office in Dinagat Islands, noted, "This will further increase agricultural production in Libjo as the concreted FMR will boost market access for our farmers." The projects aim to benefit over 300 farmers in Libjo, enhancing market access for watermelon, vegetables, sweet potatoes, and cassava producers, as well as fishing communities.
In Tagbina, the FMR is expected to serve around 1,469 farmers and 2,613 indigenous peoples involved in coconut and coffee farming, according to the DA-Caraga Region (13). DA-13 Regional Director Arlan Mangelen, who leads the RPAB, facilitated the review and endorsement of the projects to the NPCO.
DA-13 stated, "Our projects under DA-PRDP, which are geared toward food sufficiency and support for the local economy, will propel the province to become more progressive."
Source: Philippine News Agency