LAPUYAN, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – Farmers in the remote barangays of Bulawan and Sayog, in this town now have improved access to markets with the start of the Bulawan to Sayog farm-to-market road (FMR) project.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID), and in partnership with the local government unit (LGU). The project, worth P22.5 million, includes a three-barrel box culvert to ensure all-weather connectivity.
The FMR project is primarily funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) at 95%, with the LGU covering the remaining 5%. This improved road and culvert aim to make transporting agricultural products easier, providing a significant economic boost to the residents of these two barangays.
Virginia J. Lantig, president of the Bulawan Coconut Farmers Association (BUCOFA), expressed her gratitude for the project.
“Kini nga project dako gyud ni ug ikatabang, gane dugay na ni nangandoy ang mga tawo sa Bulawan nga diin makabaton ug project sama niini nga dalan. Usa nga hinungdan mao nga masayon sa mga tawo pag-ari dinhi sa crossing labi na sa ilang mga produkto,” she said.
(This project is truly helpful, and for a long time, the people of Bulawan have dreamed of having a road like this. Now it will be easier to bring products to the crossing.)
Barangay Captain Nick E. Maghuyop of Bulawan also emphasized the road’s potential to uplift the local agricultural economy. He is also grateful that this project will also help students from nearby barangay.
“Dako kaayo ni siyag impact sa atong mga farmers nga dali ra madala ang ilang mga produkto gikan sa ilahang mga farm,” Maghuyop said.
(This will greatly impact our farmers as it will make transporting their produce from the farm much easier.
Lapuyan Municipal Mayor Hon. Joel B. Sulong echoed these sentiments, recognizing the project’s broader economic impact.
“Not only will this benefit the two barangays, but the entire municipality of Lapuyan. With this improved road, we can boost economic activities, which is exactly what we need,” the Mayor said.
DTI-9’s Regional Director, Al-Zamir I. Lipae, highlighted the agency’s role in creating market linkages for the farmers.
“We are going to prepare the market kasi may road na tayo, ang market andyan lang,” he said. (We are preparing the market because we now have a road; the market is just waiting.)
Lipae added that DTI remains proactive in assisting farmers with necessary support to drive inclusive economic growth.
This initiative forms part of DTI’s commitment to strengthening agricultural value chains in critical rural areas through the RAPID program, which promotes agro-enterprise development across the country. (EDT/HTB/PIA9 Zamboanga del Sur)
