Rosario: The Department of Agriculture (DA) 13's Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) has announced the commencement of the PHP134 million construction of two farm-to-market roads (FMRs) within an ancestral domain in Agusan del Sur. The groundbreaking for the project was facilitated by DA-13 inside the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 078 in the town of Rosario on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the project will see the concreting of a 3.7-kilometer stretch known as Purok 6, Cabantao-Gwahon-Redline, Maligaya FMR, valued at PHP80 million, alongside a 2.8-kilometer road from Purok Octie to Bahi FMR, worth PHP54 million. These roads are intended to support the Manobo communities in the area, particularly to boost the coconut industry within their ancestral domain. The MIADP emphasized that the new roads are expected to reduce transportation costs, enhance road safety, and promote economic activities in the region.
DA-13 Director Arlan Mangelen and MIADP Project Support Office Deputy Project Director Noel Provido led the groundbreaking ceremony, accompanied by local officials. Mangelen remarked on the potential of these FMRs to enhance the productivity of local farmers, thereby contributing to the agriculture department's goals, including food security.
Provido highlighted the importance of the local government unit (LGU) of Rosario in the project's implementation, noting that while the LGU's financial contribution is only 10 percent of the project cost, their participation and support are vital. Manobo leader Hawudon Gawahon II Emiliano Pugosa expressed gratitude for the government's projects, acknowledging the positive impact on the tribal communities within the ancestral domain. As the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Mandatory Representative in Rosario, he noted the opportunities and hope these projects bring to the community.
Data from MIADP suggests that more than 15,000 residents, primarily IP farmers within CADT 078, will benefit directly from the FMRs. The roads will service approximately 373 hectares of farmland dedicated to coconut production.
