World Bank OKs road projects in E. Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY - The World Bank has approved the R418.47 million budget for the implementation of farm-to-market roads in Eastern Visayas under the multi-billion Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).

Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Leo P. Cañeda said the international financial institution and the National Program Coordination Office recently gave a go signal for the seven projects to kick off.

These projects are R35.34 million Maytigbao-Balogo road in Balangkayan, Eastern Samar; R15.94 million Lapgap-Guidalitan road in Maydolong, Eastern Samar; PHP77.62 million Cogon-Mabini road in Basey, Samar; R20.27 million Dau-San Eduardo road in Sta. Rita, Samar, PHP30.57 million Suba-KanangkaanSan Vicente–San Juan road in Sogod, Southern Leyte; R50.33 million Bantayan-Malobago-Pagsangan-an road in San Roque, Northern Samar and Mahayahay-Manalog Road within the boundaries of Saint Bernard and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte.

These roads have a total length of 51.78 kilometers, according to DA report.

PRDP recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the first project, the concreting in Sogod town, covering four villages with 438 households tagged as beneficiaries.

“Whenever we open a road, we open a window of opportunity. That would mean a lot in terms of cost reduction, transport of commodities, attracting new investment and making life better for residents,” Cañeda explained.

Several projects in six provinces of the region have been tagged as priority projects by the local government units and the Regional Project Advisory Board headed by DA.

“All the six provinces in the region have already signified their intention to participate. We’re happy about it because that would mean a lot for the region in terms of being able to avail the assistance available under the program,” the DA regional chief said.

Unlike other farm infrastructure projects, PRDP sets no limit for budget requirement just to make sure all access roads would be completed.

PRDP is a six-year program (2014-2021) designed to establish the government platform for a modern, climate-smart and market-oriented agri-fishery sector. It seeks to improve agricultural competitiveness and expand market access for any identified priority commodities under the project. (PNA)