GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) — A new farm-to-market road in Barangay Bal-ason here is set to benefit 905 households, enhancing the transportation of key agricultural products such as coffee, cacao, coconut, and bananas.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 marked the start of the road improvement project with a groundbreaking ceremony. Feb. 24.
The 1.06-kilometer road improvement project valued at P26 million will improve market access for local farmers, making it easier to transport their produce. This will not only reduce post-harvest losses but also create greater opportunities for farmers and stakeholders along the agricultural value chain.
The project is funded through DTI’s Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth Project, in collaboration with the local government of Gingoog. It is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which aims to increase the income of smallholder farmers by developing strategic partnerships and supporting agricultural value chains.
“This project is a significant step toward improving market access for our farmers, allowing them to transport their produce more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance their income opportunities,” said DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Jesusa Abear.
Abear added that strengthening the agricultural value chain would foster rural economic growth and ensure more sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Gingoog City.
The farm-to-market road improvement is also one of the key components of the RAPID Growth Project, led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10, which focuses on rehabilitating access roads in rural areas.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa, DILG Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga, DTI-10 staff, and other project stakeholders. (DTI-10/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
