LUNA, Apayao – The Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) has given the green light to the proposed budget of PhP153,293,896.70 for the enhancement of the Cabatacan-San Mariano-San Jose farm-to-market road in Pudtol municipality.
This endeavor underscores the commitment of the provincial government to bolster agricultural production in the province.
This infrastructure initiative aligns with the guidelines of the Philippine Rural Development Plan and is a collaborative effort led by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit, and Provincial Commodity Investment Plan .
According to PPDO Coordinator Engr. Henry Caluducan, the proposed 5.554 kilometer road aims to achieve several key objectives. These include facilitating convenient access to basic farm inputs, expanding production capacity, improving socio-economic conditions in the project area through increased access to government socio-economic programs, and reducing poverty by enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability for local farmers.
Caluducan emphasized that the project underwent rigorous evaluation, meeting criteria such as environmental sustainability, financial feasibility, and technical and economic viability. Key indicators, including net present value, benefit cost ratio, and economic internal rate of return, contributed to its regional approval.
Likewise, Provincial Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr, in his presentation of the said road project in Baguio city, pointed out that the improvement plan will ensure economic development and stability in the province, thus claiming its earliest implementation.
According to the completed sub-project appraisal report dated January 27, 2021, the road project’s stability will be reinforced through additional side structures and slope protection such as retaining walls, grouted riprap, side ditches, reinforced concrete box culverts, and reinforced concrete pipe culverts.
While the farm-to-market road project in Pudtol has received regional approval, it is important to note that it is still in the process of bidding and awaiting national-level approval before implementation. This multi-step approach ensures thorough scrutiny and adherence to national standards before the project proceeds to the construction phase. By J. Dela Torre