New road project inaugurated in Tadian

Farmers and residents from all the barangays of Besao, seven barangays of Tadian and one barangay of Quirino, Ilocos Sur are now directly benefitting from the 4.154-kilometer road stretch of the improved second segment of the Besao-Nacawang and Tadian Mabalite Farm-to-MarketRoad (FMR), a completed road project under the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) that was implemented by the Provincial Government of Mountain Province.

Held on February 8, 2023 at Barangay Batayan, Tadian, the inauguration and turnover ceremonies of the 91.867-millionpeso project were led by Mountain Province Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., together with DACAR Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey, Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli, and Tadian Mayor Constito S. Masweng.

During the program, Director Odsey said that the completed project will reduce post - harvest losses of farmers due to the shortened transport time of perishable agricultural products. Also, he said that the FMR will support commodities of the influence areas such as coffee, heirloom rice, vegetables, and fruits.

“The good practice of politicians in the province, their ability to set aside differences and instead work together for the implementation of projects, is one of driving factors towards the successful implementation of projects,” expressed Dir. Odsey.

In his message, Governor Lacwasan thanked the DA for bringing many development projects and programs to the province. He also lauded the different stakeholders and implementing units who did their parts for the realization of the project and, likewise, congratulated the beneficiaries who are now enjoying better road access.

Meanwhile, Mayor Masweng also expressed his gratitude to the DA for bringing the project to their municipality and to the Provincial Government for efficiently implementing it. He also thanked the Barangay Captains, elders and other stakeholders who did their part to assure the smooth implementation of the project.

In their respective messages, the present barangay captains from the affected barangays were one in expressing their gratitude to the DA-RFO-CAR, provincial and Tadian municipal officials and to other concerned offices who worked for the completion of the road project that is now benefiting their constituents.

They further attested to the direct benefits of the project. Some officials also mentioned the reduction of the hauling cost of outputs and inputs and the possible expansion of the existing coffee plantation in the area due to the improved road conditions./ (Erwin

S. Batnag,

PIO Mountain Province)