RDC XI backs road project for agri-business development of Mindanao
NEDA XI Regional Director Nicasio Angelo J. Agustin, Chairperson of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC), a special committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI recently headed two composite teams for a two-day appreciation visit to the remaining section that will finally connect the Padada-Kiblawan-Columbio Road. The opening of the remaining section, together with the Improvement of the rest of the road, was endorsed by RDC XI during its first regular meeting this year to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a P 1 billion funding under her administration’s Agribusiness Super Region Strategy.
Direction Agustin, who is also RDC XI Vice-Chairperson, disclosed that the composite team during the first day was composed of technical representatives of NEDA XI, DPWH XI and Provincial Engineering Office of Davao del Sur. He said this team visited the section of the project located in Davao del Sur. The following day, the NEDA XI and DPWH XI technical staff were joined by officials and technical staff of the province of Sultan Kudarat and the municipality of Columbio and this team inspected the Sultan Kudarat section of the road.
Director Agustin also revealed that their visit in Davao del Sur covered the barangays of the municipality of Matanao. The Provincial Government of Davao del Sur pushed for the inclusion of Matanao considering the possible impact of the project on the said municipality. Matanao is just next to Columbio. The road project will traverse agriculturally productive barangays of the municipalities of Padada and Matanao.
Director Agustin also said that the completion of the road project will significantly shorten the travel distance from Davao del Sur to Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, and will accelerate inter-provincial and inter-regional trade and fast-track basic services delivery. Director Agustin said that he is optimistic that the project will be considered by President Arroyo as one of the priority projects in the Agri-Business Mindanao Super Region.
The monitoring team was able to meet with the tribal communities and their Punong Barangays, who will be directly affected by the road project. The communities and the local officials expressed their support to the project and also expressed their other needs, such as potable water supply systems, school facilities and livelihood assistance.
Columbio Mayor Edwin F. Bermudez is also determined to push for the realization of the project as he believes it will offer his constituents livelihood opportunities in the long run. Director Agustin encouraged Mayor Bermudez to recommend the project to the RDC of Region XII as a priority. He advised the Mayor to cite the project’s numerous favorable impacts not only to the municipalities of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat and Matanao, Davao del Sur but also to the long-term development of Mindanao.
CLICK here to view photos during the visit in Matanao, Davao del Sur
CLICK here to view photos during the visit in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat
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