Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Agriculture Undersecretary Emmerson Palad yesterday led the groundbreaking for the Farm-to-Market Road Projects implemented through the Philippine Rural Development Program of the national government in coordination with World Bank.

The projects include the rehabilitations of the 4.2 km road at Sitio Magtu-od to Sitio Vergara FMR in Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso and 12.46 km road at Brgy. Caduhaan – Sitio Aluyan FMR in Brgy. Caduhaan, Cadiz City that has a total cost of P181,995,000, a press release from the Capitol release said.

The two activities started with the blessing of the site, followed by the ceremonial laying of the time capsule, it said.

Palad lauded the concerted efforts of the local officials and the Negros PRDP Team for coming up with prompt and complete proposals to fund the projects. He said he foresees more economic activities in the area.

Marañon thanked the DA-PRDP officials for the projects and urged the people, who are direct beneficiaries, to cooperate and take care of the projects given to them, as it will provide them convenience in transporting their products to the market. He added that the rehabilitation of roads will spur economic growth in both areas.

Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco thanked Palad and Marañon for the realization of the project that had long been a dream of his town.

Roy Abaya, OIC Director of DA Region VI , said the roads are the first-ever PRDP farm-to-market road projects to be implemented in the whole Visayas, adding that the infrastructure projects are of high quality standard.

The PRDP is a six-year project designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate-smart and market-oriented agri-fishery sector. It partners with the LGUs and the private sector in providing key infrastructure, facilities, technology, and information that will raise incomes, productivity, and competitiveness in the countryside, the press release said.

Present in the activities were Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Board Members Renato Gustilo (First District) and Salvador Escalante, Jr. (2nd District), Mayor Patrick Escalante of Cadiz City, Negros Occ. Police Provincial Office OIC Provincial Director, PSSupt. Samuel C. Nacion, PRDP Provincial Project Management Implementing Unit (PPMIU) Head, Ma. Lina Sanogal, Brgy. Captains Reynaldo Delima, Sr. of Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso and Eduardo Javier of Brgy. Caduhaan, Cadiz City, among others.*

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