TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte — The Talaingod Municipal Police Station has issued a strong warning against the practice of drying corn along public roads, citing serious safety risks and traffic obstruction concerns. Police said roads must remain clear and unobstructed to ensure the safe passage of motorists, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles, stressing that any activity that compromises public safety will not be tolerated.
According to the Talaingod PNP, placing agricultural products such as corn on highways and village roads poses a danger not only to drivers but also to farmers themselves, as it increases the risk of road accidents, product contamination, and delays during emergencies. Authorities reiterated that public roads are shared utilities and should not be used for private activities that hinder mobility and safety.
Police urged farmers to seek alternative and safer areas for drying their harvests and appealed to the public to strictly comply with existing laws and local ordinances. “Public roads are meant for safe and unobstructed use. Any activity that creates disturbance or danger cannot be allowed,” the Talaingod PNP emphasized.
However, the enforcement of the ban also brings to light a long-standing and difficult reality faced by many farmers in rural areas like Talaingod — the lack of adequate post-harvest facilities. Many small-scale farmers rely on roadside drying because of the absence of communal solar dryers, mechanical dryers, or designated drying grounds for crops such as corn and palay. Without these facilities, farmers are often forced to choose between risking spoilage of their produce or violating safety regulations.
Agricultural advocates have long pointed out that while safety regulations are necessary, they must be matched with concrete support for farmers. The continued lack of accessible drying infrastructure not only affects farm productivity and income but also highlights the urgent need for stronger government intervention, particularly in far-flung farming communities. Addressing this gap, farmers say, is essential to ensuring both road safety and food security.