The improved 6.16-kilometer Banneng-Darulog-Bawac Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) implemented under the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) was inaugurated on Feb. 8 at Barangay Dupligan, Tanudan, Kalinga.
Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, Gov. James S. Edduba, DA-PRDP Project Support Office-North Luzon Deputy Project Director Elma S. Mananes, and DA-Cordillera OIC Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan led the ribbon cutting rites along with several local government unit and DA officials.
The event was followed by a quick drive through the end of the FMR and a program at Darulog Elementary School.
During the program, Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Domingo A. Bakilan shared the milestones of the subproject as he acknowledged the efforts of several individuals who contributed in the successful implementation of the project.
The community members also expressed their commitment to maintain the FMR.
“Habang dakami ti barangay officials, aramiden mi ti kabaelan mi nga mangbantay iti daytoy nga kalsada,” said Dupligan Punong Barangay Moises L. Rosario.
With the road improvement, Mangaoang reminded the community of the reason why the FMR was proposed as he urged them to revive their coffee areas and plant more coffee.
“Tanudan has been deprived of accessibility for so long, and as Punong Barangay Moises have committed a while back, we will make it a point nga ma-maintain daytoy nga kalsada,” added Mangaoang.
Dawayan commended the continued efforts of former and present officials in Kalinga for having implemented and completed five FMRs and three enterprises under the PRDP.
“The PRDP projects will always be a testament of collaboration. Project implementation becomes an easier task both for the proponent LGU and for line agencies like the DA when the ownership of projects is imbibed in the community and the LGUs are capacitated,” added Dawayan.
Mananes also acknowledged Bakilan, named as the father of PRDP in Kalinga, for spearheading the implementation of PRDP in Kalinga.
“Kalinga has implemented the PRDP with flying colors, hitting around P1 billion worth of investments, P940 million infrastructures, and P22.4M enterprises,” said Mananes.
She commended the officials of Kalinga for working together towards the continued development of the province.
“Among the 22 provinces of North Luzon, fourth ang Kalinga sa may pinakamalaking nakuha out of the 10.4B in the cluster. Congratulations po, almost 10 percent ang napunta sa Kalinga,” said Mananes. Upon the completion of the FMR, Kalinga is hopeful for the approval of four more subprojects pipelined under the DA-PRDP Scale-Up. – Elvy T. Estacio
