Longest PRDP road in Visayas nears completion

TBN News
Aug 26, 2018
2 min read

ree — Imbang Grande-Tagubong-Gemumua Agahon-Agtabo farm-to-market road

The rehabilitation of the Imbang Grande-Tagubong-Gemumua Agahon-Agtabo farm-to-market road in Passi City is nearing completion.

The P257.8-million project, initiated through the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), is now 71.83 percent complete.

Lorna Busil, resident of Brgy. Alimuno, expressed her gratitude to the project.

“Sang una, indi kami pirmi makadul-ong sang produkto namon sa Passi kay ang kalsada, pigado nga maka-abot ang salakyan didto,” she said.

(There were instances where we would miss the delivery of our produce to the markets because of the rough road – it was impassable for the vehicles.)

Because of the new road, most of the residents have bought motorcycles, which is the most common mode of transportation in the area.

“Karon maski maulan tana, makapanaw tana ang jeep. Kag ikaduwa dun mag-trip ang jeep sa isa ka adlaw, sang una ka-isa lang, Sang una wala sang mga motor, wala sang mga tricycle, subong duro na,” Busil said.

(Even if it’s raining, the jeepney that frequents the area can pass any time. It has also added another trip schedule, unlike before where in a one day, there would only be a trip as well. There was also a significant increase in vehicles, especially with residents owning a motorcycle.)

Travel time going to the town proper have been reduced.

“Kung mag travel ka sang una, mga isa, duwa ka oras kag maka-abot ka sa Passi proper. Subong, mga 10-15 minutes, tuya ka dun. Indi dun mabudlay sa mga tawo man nga magdala anda produkto sa syudad,” Roberto Primalion said.

(Before, reaching the town proper would usually take one to two hours. Now, in a span of 15 minutes, you have already reached your destination.)

The shorter travel time resulted in the decrease of losses of goods and produce that are transported from the farms to the markets. Residents who sell their produce noted that the losses from damage to the goods caused by hauling have significantly decreased.

The new road also opened opportunities for the government’s basic services to the residents such as medical and dental check-ups.

Residents are very grateful for the road especially during rainy season when the road is tough to traverse. Now, travelling is made easier, especially for teachers and students in barangay elementary schools.

Retired teacher and now Barangay Kagawad Tessie Palmares said that “one of the major benefits the road brought was the significant impact in education. Attendance is no longer an issue to both teachers and students since access have been more convenient.”