DA, PRDP project in Tupi benefits farmers, agri products

KORONADAL
CITY - More fresh agricultural products will now be reaching the heart of Tupi,
South Cotabato and its nearby places from Barangay Lunen because of the concrete
farm-to-market road (FMR) project of the Department of Agriulture (DA-12) implemented
under Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

The
agricultural products expected to be traveled in the Php41.85-M FMR sub-project
are cassava, coffee, cacao, rubber and other high value crops.

DA-12
Regional Executive Direcor Amalia Jayag Datukan said the said 4.9 kilometer FMR
will not just benefit farmers and constituents of Barangay Lunen but also those
from Barangay Crossing Rubber.

Before
the project was implemented, farmers here really struggled to deliver their
products to the market. From the mountains, they will carry their sacks and
baskets in their shoulders then to the habal-habal (motorcycle used for passenger
or cargo),” Roberto Liwao, Lunen village chair, said in an interview.

Mud
after the rain would just worsen the situation,” he added.

Liwao
also explained that because of the unfriendly road condition, farmers of Lunen
would pay more for transportation of agricultural products.

The
previous situation of the road also affected the quality of the products when
it reached the buyers in Tupi,” Liwao said.

But
now, farm families in the said barangay are not just reaping good harvest, but
also great income, Liwao added.

With
the road condition friendly to farmers, products arrive in town still fresh and
sold at higher prices

Liwao
expressed gratitude to the DA and for PRDP’s FMR sub-project for the benefits it
brought to his constituents, especially the farmers.

According
to other residents, aside from the huge changes for the agriculture sector, the
project also gave positive impact to other purposes people of Barangay Lunen
will not be bothered of emergency cases.