In a significant development for local agriculture, the construction of a PHP45-million farm-to-market road in Barangay Sibawan, Kidapawan City, began on Tuesday. The project, which spans 3.34 kilometers, is anticipated to greatly benefit hundreds of farmers in the region by improving access to markets.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Monday, was officiated by engineer Jocelyn Torres, the chief of the Department of Agriculture-12 Regional Agricultural Engineering Division, and Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista. The event marked the start of a project funded by the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), with an expected completion timeline of 270 days.
Barangay Sibawan Chairman Roger Toledo emphasized the road’s potential to transform the lives of at least 300 farmers. He noted that the new road would enable farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, ensuring that it reaches buyers fresh and at fair prices. ‘This road will allow our farmers to deliver their products on time, which is crucial for receiving fair compensation,’ Toledo stated.
Mayor Evangelista reiterated the city’s dedication to working closely with the farming community to develop sustainable agricultural solutions. He pointed out that the current rough roads pose significant challenges for farmers, often resulting in increased transportation costs.
The new farm-to-market road is expected to alleviate these issues and boost economic opportunities in Kidapawan City, fostering growth and development in the agricultural sector.