The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte celebrates a significant milestone as the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) has approved the rehabilitation and concreting of two major farm-to-market roads: the Lanawan-Tambalang-Balakan-Salug-Sarawagan-Raba, Godod Farm-to-Market Road (Segment 1) and the Dipopor-Poblacion Godod Farm-to-Market Road. The project, valued at Php455,526,726.00 million, will cover a total length of 17.977 kilometers.
The approval took place during the RPAB Deliberation led by Engr. Marcos C. Aves, Sr., Project Director and RPAB Chairman, on February 19, 2024, at the Conference Room of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office IX in Lenienza, Pagadian City.
This initiative will be jointly funded by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), the World Bank, and the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte. The Provincial Project Management Implementation Unit (PPMIU), under the leadership of Acting Provincial Administrator and SES Head Levy Lagutin, presented the project proposal to the RPAB, which was promptly approved.
Mr. Lagutin expressed optimism regarding the project’s progress, stating that the next steps involve a series of document reviews by the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) in Ipil, Davao, followed by the National Project Coordination Unit of PRDP in Manila. He further emphasized that this initiative is among the priority projects of Governor Jalosjos, with the hope that implementation will commence soon after the completion of necessary processes.
According to data presented by PPMIU, the project is expected to benefit 2,136 households in the municipalities of Salug and Godod, including 1,735 farming households and 3,178 farmers. Additionally, 3,965 individuals, both Indigenous Peoples and non-IPs, stand to gain from improved market access. The primary agricultural products that will be transported more efficiently due to the road development include rubber, copra, corn, rice, and various root crops.
The PRDP is designed to support national goals of inclusive development, job creation, and poverty reduction. The approval of this project marks a crucial step towards economic growth and improved livelihoods for the rural communities of Zamboanga del Norte.
