The Department of Agriculture (DA) 13’s (Caraga Region) Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) on Wednesday announced the start of the PHP134 million construction of two farm-to-market roads (FMRs) within an ancestral domain in Agusan del Sur.

DA-13 facilitated the groundbreaking of the project inside the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 078 in the town of Rosario on Tuesday.

The project will involve the concreting of the 3.7-km. Purok 6, Cabantao-Gwahon-Redline, Maligaya FMR, valued at PHP80 million, and the 2.8-km. Purok Octie to Bahi FMR, worth PHP54 million, for the Manobo communities in the area.

“The FMR projects aim to primarily support the coconut industry of the Manobo tribe inside their ancestral domain. The concreted roads will also lessen transport costs, improve road safety, and encourage economic activity,” the MIADP said in a statement.

DA-13 Director Arlan Mangelen and MIADP Project Support Office Deputy Project Director Noel Provido led the groundbreaking ceremony together with the local officials of Rosario.

“These FMRs will bolster the capacity of our fellow farmers in increasing their production output,” Mangelen said.

He added that increased production will also help the agriculture department achieve its goals, including food security.

On the other hand, Provido recognized the crucial role of Rosario’s local government unit (LGU) in the successful implementation of the project.

“Although the LGU equity accounts for only 10 percent of the entire project cost, their commitment is indispensable. Without their willingness to participate and support the initiative, the project cannot move forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manobo leader Hawudon Gawahon II Emiliano Pugosa thanked the government for the projects, especially for their impact on the tribal communities inside the ancestral domain.

“We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support. These projects not only create opportunities but also offer hope to our community,” Pugosa, who also serves as the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Mandatory Representative in Rosario, said.

Data provided by MIADP indicated that the FMRs will directly benefit more than 15,000 residents, mostly IP farmers inside CADT 078, covering about 373 hectares of farmland dedicated to coconut production. (PNA)