๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง๐๐จ ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฃ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ| The Mindanao Cluster, led by the Projects Support Office (PSO) Mindanao, marked a significant milestone with the ceremonial awarding of the No Objection Letter 1 (NOL1) certificates for seven subprojects under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up on January 10, 2025 at the Department of Agriculture Office in Quezon City.
Of the eight subprojects granted NOL1, seven were from the Mindanao Cluster, showcasing the region’s proactive role in building infrastructure that benefits its agricultural sector. These subprojects focus on farm-to-market roads designed to address pressing rural challenges. With these roads, farmers can expect improved transportation of goods and agricultural produce, reduced travel times, increased traffic flow, and significantly minimized post-harvest losses.
The awarding ceremony was presided over by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., accompanied by National Project Director Asec. U-Nichols A. Manalo, PSO Mindanao Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga and Deputy Project Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA. Representatives from local government units (LGUs) receiving the certificates were joined by RPCO 9 Regional Executive Director Marcos Aves Sr., RPCO 10 Dir. Jose Apollo Pacamalan , RPCO 12 Dir. Roberto Perales, and RPCO 13 Dir. Arlan Mangelen.
Secretary Laurel emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in revitalizing Mindanaoโs rural economy.
“These projects are more than roads; they are lifelines connecting our farmers to markets, opportunities, and progress,” he said.
The awarded subprojects span four regions and address specific local infrastructure needs:
โข๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐: Rehabilitation and concreting of Cayaman-Batungan Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Zamboanga Sibugay.
โข ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐: Construction and concreting of Purok 6 to Sitio 27, Brgy. Palao FMR in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and Panalsalan-Cartegana-Luzaran-Dampalan-Macalibre Alto FMR in Misamis Occidental.
โข ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐:
o Concreting of Purok Kalyong-Bukay Eed-Guaza-Buluan-Bato-Paradise Landan FMR in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
o Concreting of San Isidro-Buto FMR with Bridge in Tampakan, South Cotabato.
o Concreting of Greenhill-Camasi FMR in President Roxas, Cotabato.
โข ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐: Construction of NRJ Trinidana-Mabini Farm-to-Market Road with bridges in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
These projects aim to boost the agricultural output and economic potential of rural communities, ultimately contributing to national growth.
The event brought together the LGU leaders and stakeholders who are keyplayers to the success of the projects. Among the recipients were Zamboanga Sibugay PPMIU Head Atty. Christian Jay M. Millena, Tubod Mayor Jimmy Cabahug and Vice Mayor Clifford Jumalon, Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal, Polomolok Mayor Bernie D. Palencia, Tampakan Mayor Leonard T. Escobillo, President Roxas Mayor Jonathan O. Mahimpit, and Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II.
Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit between national agencies and local governments in addressing the infrastructure gaps in rural Mindanao.
The awarded subprojects signify the governmentโs dedication to inclusive development. By addressing logistical bottlenecks, these initiatives are expected to stimulate agricultural productivity, reduce poverty, and create a ripple effect of economic opportunities in Mindanao’s rural areas.
Looking ahead, PSO Mindanao remains committed to ensuring the timely and efficient implementation of these projects. As Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga noted, “This is just the beginning. With collective efforts, we can transform these roads into pathways for progress.”
The awarding of NOL1 marks a pivotal step in advancing the PRDP Scale-Up program’s mission of sustainable rural development, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in Mindanaoโs agricultural and economic landscape. (Joy M. Montecalvo | PSO Mindanao)
(Photos from Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project )
Bong D. Gonzaga
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