BONTOC, Mountain Province – To ensure orderly, smooth, and efficient implementation of two high-impact peace and development projects in the municipality with funding from the national government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), a consultation with the recipients was conducted on June 06, 2024, at the Sangguniang Bayan Conference Hall.
These included the Rehabilitation/Improvement of the Amfikiyan to Mayayat Local Access Road amounting to ₱25-Million and the Construction/Improvement of Bontoc Public Market Phase I totalling ₱20- Million.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., and Municipal Engineer Paul Nadcop, both expressed their gratitude to the OPAPRU for approving the two projects.
The mayor explained that the Construction/Improvement of Bontoc Public Market Phase I originated due to safety concerns arising from the building being declared unsafe by the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) team in the aftermath of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Luzon on July 27, 2022.
He added that the project is expected to foster local entrepreneurship and enhance the overall shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.
On the Rehabilitation/Improvement of Amfikiyan to Mayayat Local Access Road, he remarked that it is seen to spur agricultural and economic activities of the people because they can now easily transport their produce to the market. Aside from this, it will ensure easier, safer and comfortable transportation during medical emergencies. Also, it will boost tourism activities in the locality.
Tudlong thanked the stakeholders for their attendance and explained that the representatives from the OPAPRU came to meet with the stakeholders and the community who will benefit from the said projects and to listen to their issues and concerns.
The team from OPAPRU were Peace Program Officer III Roland Keno Chua, Project Development Officer III Angel Palma, Jr., and Administrative Officer III Kenneth Garcia.
Chua explained that PAMANA is a national government convergence program that provides much-needed development assistance such as infrastructure projects and livelihood packages to remote, conflict-affected communities.
He added that the program enables national line agencies and local government units to collaborate to deliver conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting projects to communities.
During the consultation, members of the Bontoc Market Vendors Association (BOMARVA) and Poblacion Punong Barangay Atty. Florence Taguiba raised their concerns about the Construction/Improvement of Bontoc Public Market Phase I. Also, they extended their gratitude to the national government and the Bontoc LGU for the project that benefits the local entrepreneurs.
With regard to the Rehabilitation/Improvement of Amfikiyan to Mayayat Local Access Road, Maria Codeo who is one among those who shall benefit from the said road project has expressed her gratitude to the government.
“Improved roads mean safer travel, easier access to essential services, and a boost to local economy. For our children, it means safer routes to school. For our business, it means safer logistics and new growth opportunities. For all of us, it means a stronger, more connected community,” she added.
Meanwhile, it is to be noted that part of Mayor Tudlong’s official travel outside Mountain Province is to source funding from various national government agencies for the implementation of various programs and projects that benefit the community.
The said consultation was facilitated by the Office of the Municipal Engineer. By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay