DA-PRDP turns-over P152M FMR in AgSur town
BUTUAN CITY -- The local residents in the municipality of San Luis, Agusan del Sur, and neighboring barangays welcomed a merry December 1 as the 9.32km farm-to-market road was turned-over by the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project Caraga (DA-PRDP).
The road covering Barangays Mahapag, Muritula, and DoΓ±a Maxima provides an easy flow of transportation for farmers' goods, particularly rubber and primary services. Moreover, the concrete road reduces average travel time from 20 minutes to 10 minutes in transporting cup lumps, reducing post-harvest losses and transportation costs, thus increasing farmers' income.
"Since 1972, we have been dreaming of this road. As a resident and a farmer, I experienced the struggle of getting our products into the market. Sometimes my products will be rotten on my farm due to the difficulty of delivering our goods. This is a dream come true and a wonderful gift to us. On behalf of the farmers here in San Luis, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the agencies and our local government unit who hand in hand helped in delivering this huge present," said Jaime R. Madanlo, punong barangay of DoΓ±a Maxima.
Starting at Brgy. Mahapag and ending at Brgy. DoΓ±a Maxima, the road has the classification of provincial road connecting to the national road at the municipality of San Luis. Buyers can now come in and out of the barangays, making it easier for farmers to sell products at a higher price. According to the DoΓ±a Maxima barangay captain, this inspired farmers in the area to plant more crops.
"If before you could see vast untilled lands here, now, as you traverse along the concrete roads, various crops are seen planted along the way. Aside from rubber, falcata, coconuts, and more crops are planted here," said Madanlo.
Furthermore, the local government officials also encouraged each other to craft policies to maintain their roads.
"As the officials, we will do our part to maintain our roads, away from abuse. I ask for 100% support from my fellow constituents and officials to keep our road clean and peaceful," said barangay captain of Muritula, Anggaman A. Escalicas.
Ricardo M. OΓ±ate, the DA-Caraga Executive Director, assured that the government always listens to the concerns of the communities, especially the farmers and fisherfolk. He also mentioned that DA together with the LGUs will help farmers prosper, thus more partnership will be expected in the future.
DA-PRDP head Ricardo M. OΓ±ate, together with Agsuan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr, and San Luis Municipal Mayor Phoebe L. Corvera led the cutting of the ribbon with the PRDP Regional Project Coordination, LGU, and barangay officials. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del
