The Department of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the local government of Kapatagan, leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 1.8-kilometer concrete access road connecting Barangays La Libertad, Pulang Yuta, Tulatulahan, and Tipolo in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, and Barangay Calube in Sultan Naga Dimaporo. (Photo courtesy of LGU Kapatagan)
KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — A total of 1,224 households, or 4,964 individuals, particularly the 871 coconut farmers in Kapatagan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) stand to benefit from a newly completed 1.8-kilometer concrete access road, which was officially turned over to barangays La Libertad, Pulang Yuta, Tulatulahan, and Tipolo in this town; and Barangay Calube in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town.
For decades, poor road conditions made it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to the market, which increased costs and reduced their income. Now, with the newly paved road, travel time has been cut from two hours to just 30 to 45 minutes, which would improve access to markets and reduce post-harvest losses.
The project was made possible through the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth Project, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the local government of Kapatagan.
DTI-10 Regional Director Ruel B. Paclipan said that the RAPID project covers the entire value chain, from planting to selling the products.
“Usa nga problema o kakulian nga na-experience sa mga mag-uuma, usa ra ana ang dalan. Gawas ana, naa pud mga concerns o issues sa on technical aspect, ato na silang gitagaan og intervention,” he said.
(One of the problems or difficulties experienced by the farmers is the lack of a road. Aside from that, there are also concerns or issues on the technical aspect, and we have provided them with intervention.)
More importantly, he said that the project is market-driven to ensure that farmers know where to sell their products and meet market specifications and prices, which would eliminate the problem of finding buyers.
A new era for coconut farmers
The improved access road directly supports five farmers’ multipurpose cooperatives in Kapatagan town, including Tipolo, Barangay Calube Farmers, Tulatutulahan Farmers, Pulang Yuta Farmers, and La Libertad Farmers. Their livelihood relies on coconut farming and its by-products, such as charcoal and copra.
LALIFAMCO Chairperson Efren Villacrusis expressed deep gratitude for the project and shared that the road was more than just an infrastructure but a symbol of progress and unity.
“Pinaagi sa programa sa DTI RAPID, nagbukas kini og bag-ong kahigayonan alang sa mas paspas, mas luwas, ug mas hamugaway nga transportasyon,” he said.
(The DTI RAPID program has opened new opportunities for faster, safer, and more convenient transportation.)
He said they will strive to maintain and take care of the project to benefit future generations and hope the project will bring growth and prosperity to their lives.
Meanwhile, Conchita Cais, 65, a resident of La Libertad, recalled the hardships of transporting agricultural products through muddy and impassable roads. She is happy that their community now has proper roads that would improve their livelihood and quality of life.
“Dako kaayo kog kalipay sa gobyerno, nga sa una nga panahon, pait kaayo ang among kahimtang sa pagdala sa among mga produkto. Nag-antos mi sa lapok, ug pait kaayo nga wala mi’y masakyan,” she said.
(I am very grateful to the government, especially in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, because in the past, transporting our products was very difficult as we struggled through the mud, and it was very hard as we had no means of transportation.)
From muddy paths to brighter future
The new road ensures faster, safer, and more convenient transportation, benefiting not only farmers but also residents and students.
Charles Marie Licanda Bade, 29, a resident of La Libertad, recalled the challenges of her childhood when their community had no proper roads. As a student, she endured long walks of about five kilometers through muddy paths, especially during the rainy season, just to reach their school in Barangay Bansarvil.
Now a mother of a 3-year-old girl and expecting another child this month, she believed that the new road would bring relief to their community. She emphasized how much easier it is now for pregnant women to access medical care in the town proper, unlike before when the rough roads posed serious risks.
“Kita nga ginikanan maghunahuna sa ugma sa atong mga anak, ug di ko gusto nga ma-experience sa akong anak ang akong na-experience sauna. Maong dako kaayo among pasalamat nga naa na mi kalsada karon,” she said.
(As parents, we think about the future of our children, and I don’t want my child to experience what I have gone through. That’s why we are very grateful that we now have a road.)
Coming from a family of farmers, she believed that the improved infrastructure would boost their local economy, as it would provide access to the town proper more conveniently. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
