MRDP allots P188m for FMR in Bukidnon

DAMULOG, Bukidnon – A ground breaking ceremony  was recently  held for a road rehabilitation / concreting of a farm to market road in Damulog Bukidnon,  particularly in  Sinarayan, Pocopoco to Barangay Tangkulan with runs approximately 1,394 Kilometers.

The project with a total cost of P188,700,000 million was enrolled under  Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), the forerunner of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), as one of the Rural Infastructure (RI)  projects,  funded by the World Bank through the Department of Agriculture.

This Farm to Market Road is set to be completed for 10 working months. The Project which has a road influence area of 4,665.61 hectares will  benefit over a thousand farming household.

The ground breaking ceremony marks the realization of what was once a dream way back during the conceptualization period.  Now, it’s a dream come true for all the beneficiaries especially the 4 barangays who will directly benefit from the said project  and the officials of the Municipality as well who have worked hard for the realization of this dream.

The ground breaking started with a Pamuhat, a Lumad Ritual which means a rite asking permission and forgiveness to the gods and goddesses of the nature. The Pamuhat was followed by A Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Bernard Saburao  who offered thanksgiving and  protection to God the Project.

The project backgrounder was given by Mr. Al Berdera  followed by the laying of time capsule spearheaded by Damulog Municipal Mayor Pacomeo S. Getican assisted by PRDP  Regional Director Carlene C. Collado with the presence of the Municipal Officials, IP  Representatives, 4 Punong Barangays and MM Enterprises who is the contactor of the project.

Mayor Pacomeo S. Getican, on his message challenged and reminded the four (4) Barangays who are direct beneficiaries of the project to be vigilant in keeping their area of responsibility safe. He also thank and  commended  the people behind the success of the project , the support of DA-PRDP Fund, assistance of the Provincial Governor and the full cooperation of LGU Damulog particularly the Engineering Office, BAC, Budget and Treasurers Office who firmly persevere in the processing of the documents.

Former Mayor Romy Tiongco, one of the keynote speaker stressed the significant in asking forgiveness to Magbabaya for destroying the nature comes the start of the project because during that period, the land will be dismantled, spoiling the nature.

Carlene C. Collado,  DA- PRDP Regional Director discussed the subsequent collaboration of DA in Local Government Units. He further said that they will be dynamic in over seeing the project until completion. Engr. Irve Mercado, representative of MM Entreprises assured all the beneficiaries and the officials  that they are set to finished the project within 10 months.

Symbolic Movement of Equipment  followed which the entire crowd was quite and the symbolic motion of equipment became solemn for it was done with a prayer led by Angel Barasan.  This symbolic motion means allowing the Holy Spirit to direct the drivers and protect the equipment from harm and danger. This too is seeking guidance from above to grant good health to those involved in the project, move faster and become vigilant in keeping safe all the materials.

The cutting of ribbon and tossing of coins and candies was led  by Mayor Pacs Getigan, assisted by Reg. Dir. Collado and the SB Members. Joining the entourage are Kumander Taunting Lampak and other IP Representatives. The ribbon cutting and throwing of coins means the opening of road concreting and throwing of blessings.

Hinaut nga matuman na gayud kining atong pangandoy ( Hopefully our dream will come true with this) a challenge to everyone who in one way or another contributed for the success of the project” said  with Vice Mayor Alberto Salmasan during his closing remarks. pr