The provincial government of Dinagat Islands and the local government of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, have welcomed the endorsement of two farm-to-market road (FMR) projects by the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) of the Department of Agriculture– Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).

During a meeting on Tuesday in Butuan City, the RPAB endorsed PHP504 million worth of rural infrastructure projects to the DA-PRDP National Project Coordinating Office (NPCO). The projects include the concreting of a 4.12-kilometer FMR in Sitio Patag, Barangay Garcia, Libjo, Dinagat Islands, costing PHP152 million, and a 15.4-kilometer FMR in Sitio Pamintigan, Barangay Hinagdanan, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur worth PHP353 million.

“This will further increase agricultural production in Libjo as the concreted FMR will boost market access for our farmers,” Jorge Daligdig, chief of the Provincial Planning and Development Office in Dinagat Islands, said in an interview Wednesday.

Once completed, the projects will directly benefit over 300 farmers producing watermelon, vegetables, sweet potatoes, and cassava, while also improving access for fishing communities. Libjo is also known for its cacao, corn, dragon fruit, and lemon production, Daligdig added.

The FMR in Libjo is the second DA-PRDP project in Dinagat Islands under Governor Nilo Demerey Jr.’s administration. In November 2023, the DA-PRDP approved the PHP341-million concreting of the Siring-Plaridel FMR in Basilisa town, which is currently under construction.

In Tagbina, the FMR is expected to serve around 1,469 farmers and 2,613 indigenous peoples engaged in coconut and coffee farming, according to the DA-Caraga Region (13).

DA-13 Regional Director Arlan Mangelen, who heads the RPAB, led the review, deliberations, and endorsement of the two projects to the NPCO.

“Our projects under DA-PRDP, which are geared toward food sufficiency and support for the local economy, will propel the province to become more progressive,” DA-13 said in a statement. (PNA)