Paved farm-to-mill road benefits local farmers in Kabankalan City

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Local farmers and agricultural producers from the six sitios of Barangay Tan-awan in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental can now conveniently transport their products with the paved farm-to-mill road delivered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in convergence with the Department of Agriculture (DA).

DPWH, Negros Occidental 3^rd District Engineering Office has completed the concrete paving of a 994.6-lineal meter local road. Amounting to ₱22.5 million, funded under DA FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the projects include the construction of a 5.6-meter concrete box culvert, grouted riprap and stone masonry, and provision of metal guard rails and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings.

The paving of farm-to-mill roads is an important undertaking that will benefit both farmers and mill owners. By paving these roads, farmers and mill owners will be able to transport goods and materials more safely and efficiently. This will ultimately lead to a stronger economy and improved quality of life for those living in the area.

Citing the report of District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo, OIC-Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel said the improved infrastructure benefits people in the locality, especially farmers and laborers.

“This concrete road improves the working condition of sugarcane planters and their laborers through efficient transport of goods and commodities from farms to milling stations, promoting growth and development of the sugar industry in the locality,” OIC-RD Sanny Boy O. Oropel said.

“The paved road will also offer faster, convenient, and cost-efficient delivery of other agricultural products, providing ease and comfort among our farmers and local producers, making them earn more for their families,” RD Oropel added.

“This will likewise facilitate delivery of basic government services even to remote areas, and easier transportation among motorists and the traveling public, especially students and the employees from the uplands of Kabankalan to the city proper,” RD Oropel further said.

Meanwhile, DE Rodney A. Gustilo said that the concreting of the farm-to-mill road will provide better access to milling stations and public markets.

“The paved road, which includes provision of box culvert will facilitate faster and better transport of sugarcane from plantations to milling stations, as well as delivery of nipa and other agricultural products from farms to the markets,” DE Gustilo said.

“The better road condition reduces travel time, lessens hauling expenses, and minimizes post-harvest losses, hence would encourage positive economic activity and significant trade opportunities to the local producers,” DE Gustilo added.

“Significantly this road leads to Bugtong Elementary School, thus its improvement will reduce hazard and risk among our students and teachers, who used to pass along the muddy, unpaved road,” DE Gustilo further said.

Likewise, according to the farmers’ association of Barangay Tan-awan, the improved road brought socio-economic progress to more than 300 households in the area.

“This project brought convenience to the people in the locality, providing easier access towards employment opportunities and easier acquisition of basic needs and essential services such as education, health, and other government services,” said Mr. Eduardo Palapo, the manager of the farmers’ association. (DPWH)