TAGKAWAYAN, QUEZON (PIA) -– The World Bank lauded the municipal government of Tagkawayan, Quezon, and the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), for their efficient implementation of a farm-to-market road under the Scale-Up’s Infrastructure Development (I-BUILD) program of the PDRP.
The P144.46 million, 10.04-kilometer Sta. Monica-Sto. Nino-Manato Station Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) subproject, is seen as a modern, climate-resilient road that can endure for up to 40 years.
The road project traverses the barangays of Sta. Monica, Sto. Niño I, San Roque, and Manato Station in Tagkawayan will ease the transportation of local agricultural and fishery products to Lucena City, Metro Manila, and nearby provinces through its connection to the Maharlika and Quirino highways.
In a field visit led by World Bank consultant Engr. Raoul Azanza and co-task team leader Ma. Theresa Quinones led a focus group discussion with the LGU, contractors, and representatives from the four barangays in the town.
The Sta. Monica-Sto. Nino-Manato Station Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) subproject, is seen as a modern, climate-resilient road that can endure for up to 40 years and will ease the transportation of local agricultural and fishery products to Lucena City, Metro Manila, and nearby provinces through its connection to the Maharlika and Quirino highways. (Photo by Tagkawayan LGU)
The inspection team commended Tagkawayan LGU for their excellent implementation of the project, which was deemed two months ahead of the project schedule. The outcome is attributed to the effective and systematic project execution, as well as the continuous involvement of the contractors, residents, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and national and regional government agencies in the project.
“We are happy with the progress that has been made, which is very evident with the quality of the progress of the construction,” said Quiñones.
She also commended the LGU for opening job opportunities to residents, stressing that one of the goals of the project is to provide jobs to local workers, and for adopting a community-driven development process which is a hallmark of other WB-funded projects.
Meanwhile, Mayor Carlo Eleazar emphasized that Tagkawayan continues to apply the lessons learned from the KALAHI Implementation, valuing the voice and participation of residents in projects.
“The organized and systematic implementation of the first PDRP project in our town is just one of the "collaborative efforts" of all departments from the national, regional, and local government units down to our civil society organizations,” Eleazar said.
The project is expected to usher in economic and social improvements to Tagkawayan and neighboring areas, making the local government more committed to finishing the project and leading the preservation of the project through regular maintenance. (RO,CH/PIA-Quezon)
