By Sam Ramos
Construction has begun on a PHP45-million farm-to-market road in Barangay Sibawan, a project expected to support hundreds of local farmers.
The 3.34-kilometer road project, funded under the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), was officially launched on Monday with a ceremonial groundbreaking led by Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Chief Engineer Jocelyn Torres and Kidapawan City Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista.
The project is scheduled for completion within 270 days and aims to improve transportation for farmers, enabling them to move their products to market more efficiently.
Barangay Sibawan Chairman Roger Toledo emphasized the road’s importance for local farmers, estimating that at least 300 farmers will benefit from the improved access. He noted that the road will help ensure that produce reaches the market quickly, preserving freshness and enabling fairer pricing.
Mayor Evangelista reiterated the local government’s commitment to engaging with the farming community to identify and implement solutions for agricultural growth. The new road aims to address the challenges posed by the area’s current rough roads, which increase transportation costs for farmers.
The project is expected to open up economic opportunities for the community by reducing logistical barriers and improving the local agricultural economy.