Valencia City, Bukidnon — On November 21, 2024, the City Government of Valencia welcomed a distinguished delegation from the World Bank, the European Union (EU), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with the Mindanao Project Support Office. The group conducted an onsite visit and beneficiary consultation for the 16.27-kilometer Concreting of the Junction Barangay Mabuhay to Barangay Banlag Proper to Sitio Pantaron Farm-to-Market Road, a key infrastructure project under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).
The visit was part of the 18th World Bank-European Union Implementation Support Mission to the DA-PRDP, focusing on subprojects in Mindanao. It aimed to evaluate the progress of the farm-to-market road project, gather insights from beneficiaries, and identify ways to replicate its success in other rural areas across the country.
Transformative Progress for Rural Development
The road concreting project, which is 91% complete, has a total cost of Php 238,527,571.43 and is co-funded by:
- 60%: World Bank
- 20%: European Union
- 10%: Department of Agriculture
- 10%: City Government of Valencia
Mayor Azucena “Sunny” P. Huervas described the project as a transformative step toward enhancing transportation and accessibility in Valencia’s rural areas. “This visit signifies a milestone, ensuring that we meet high standards and shared objectives. It also underscores the importance of partnerships in uplifting rural communities and promoting agricultural development,” said Mayor Huervas.
She expressed gratitude to the World Bank, EU, and DA-PRDP for their trust and investment, noting their pivotal role in empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.
Community Impact
Local residents and officials from Barangays Mabuhay and Banlag highlighted the project’s significant impact on their daily lives. Improved transportation is expected to boost economic opportunities, especially for farmers transporting goods to markets.
Delegates and Recommendations
The delegation included representatives from the World Bank, EU, and DA, including:
- World Bank: Maria Theresa Quinones, Senior Rural Development Specialist; Marivi Amor Ladia, Social Development Specialist; Tomas Sta. Maria, Senior Financial Management Specialist; Luningning Bondoc, Economist; Engr. Raoul Azanza, Rural Infrastructure Engineer; Mario Orilla, Procurement Specialist; Midori Makino, Program Leader for Planet; Cora Dankers, Agriculture Policy Specialist; Son Van Nguyen, Social Environment Safeguards Specialist.
- European Union: Alix Wurdak, Program Manager.
- GIZ SPADe MinPAD-Rise: Peter Hinn, Principal Sponsor.
- DA-PRDP: U-Nichols Manalo, National Project Director and Assistant Secretary for Operations; Angelita Martir, National Deputy Project Director; Macario Gonzaga, Project Director; Carlene Collado, Deputy Project Director; Carlota Madriaga, Deputy Project Director for RPCO 10.
The delegates provided advice and recommendations to sustain the road project’s benefits and maximize its impact. They also praised Valencia City for its strong governance and commitment to rural development.
A Model for Rural Infrastructure
The farm-to-market road project in Valencia City showcases the potential of collaboration among international institutions, national agencies, and local governments to uplift rural communities. As the project nears completion, stakeholders remain optimistic about its long-term benefits and replicability across the Philippines.