The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-11-PRDP) said an ongoing new all-weather access road project will eventually connect six farming communities in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

In an online post Tuesday, DA-PRDP Deputy Project Director Carlene Collado announced the rehabilitation of the Linawan–Alegre farm-to-market road, which officially began on May 30.

The road will cover six farming communities: Linawan, Alegre, Bitaug, Anonang, Dolo and Eman.

“Through the PRDP Scale-Up, we aim to build climate-resilient, all-weather roads that serve not only farmers but the entire community, including students, workers, small businesses and health responders,” Collado said.

Currently, the route’s uneven terrain and slippery conditions, especially during the rainy season, make transportation both difficult and risky.

Farmers in the area rely on motorcycles and trucks to transport their goods, such as rubber, copra, cacao, and coffee, to markets in Bansalan, Davao City, and Makilala, North Cotabato.

Collado said the 7.8-kilometer subproject is specifically designed to support major agricultural commodities, including mango, coconut, banana, rubber, and durian, by providing improved access to markets and essential services.

Expected outcomes of the project include lower hauling costs for farmers, reduced transport losses, potential for expanding agricultural areas, shorter travel times, and the creation of job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers during the construction phase. (PNA)