The newly improved 8.39-kilometer Ubao-Manaot Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) implemented under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) was finally inaugurated and turned over to the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Aguinaldo, Ifugao today, June 17, 2025.
The Php216-million FMR subproject spans barangays Ubao and Monggayang and was initially proposed to support local banana cardava production by improving transport and market access for farmers.
A brief program was held in Barangay Ubao for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Aguinaldo Mayor Gaspar B. Chillagan Jr., together with Ifugao Gov. Jerry U. Dalipog, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan and Deputy Project Director Elma S. Mananes. Local officials, DA-PRDP representatives and community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the long-awaited infrastructure.
As he welcomed the delegates, Ubao Punong Barangay George Limante Jr. expressed his immense gratitude for the unified efforts that led to remarkable progress in their community.
“Iyebkas ko ti dakkel nga panagyaman mi kadakayo amin para iti daytoy a progreso nga inyumay yo ditoy barangay mi. Malaglagip dagiti tattao ti rigat idi, ngem gapu ti panagtitimpuyog dagiti ahensiya ken LGUs, ti imposible idi ket naging posible tadta,” Limante said.
The program continued at the Aguinaldo Municipal Town Hall plaza, where local officials expressed their gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the road project.
In her message, Atty. Dawayan stressed the role of everyone on the maintenance and sustainability of the FMR subproject.
“As we turn over this road, let us also turn over the shared responsibility of sustainability. This road is a public asset, not just for today’s generation, but for the generations to come. Its maintenance and proper use depend on all of us, not only the LGUs but the entire community of Ifugao,” she said.
Echoing the sentiments of Director Mananes, Atty. Dawayan also commended the provincial government for actively encouraging municipal LGUs to take initiative in proposing and implementing their projects.
With deep gratitude, Mayor Chillagan, on behalf of the constituents of Aguinaldo, officially accepted the completed FMR citing the road project is a result of collaboration, trust and shared vision.
“As we accept this road, we pledge to take care of it, preserve its value and ensure that it serves our constituents well especially our farmers, students and all who rely on it every single day,” he said.
In addition to supporting local agriculture, the improved road now serves as an alternate route to and from nearby municipalities, including Alfonso Lista in Ifugao and Paracelis in Mountain Province, improving mobility and providing safer, faster access for commuters and traders alike. By Elvy T. Estacio
