CAGAYAN de Oro City — Farmers in Barangay Cartagena Proper in Plaridel now have a better route for bringing their produce to market following the completion of a ₱5-million farm-to-market road funded by the 2024 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). 

The road was turned over to the barangay government during a ceremony attended by Plaridel Mayor Gadwin E. Handumon, Punong Barangay Nymfa D. Salik, DILG Misamis Occidental Provincial Director Edward G. Bhagwani, other local officials and community members. 

The project was implemented by the Barangay Cartagena Proper government through the LGSF-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU). 

For farmers, the road is expected to make it easier to transport agricultural products and move around the community. 

Diosdado Dalaygon, representing the Barangay Cartagena Proper Farmers Association, said the improved road will help farmers bring their produce to other areas while also making travel easier for residents. 

He also said the road will benefit children who travel to school. 

For the community, the ₱5-million project now carries a practical test: whether the road will remain usable and serve the farmers and residents it was built for. 

DILG Provincial Director Bhagwani urged barangay officials and residents to help maintain the road and protect the facility from damage. 

He said community participation is important in keeping the project useful over time.

Mayor Handumon said the project shows how the government and community can work together to address local infrastructure needs. 

The road is part of the national government's LGSF-FALGU program, which provides financial assistance to local government units for projects intended to address local development needs. 

With the project now completed and turned over, farmers and residents will be the ones using the road daily. Its long-term value will depend not only on its completion but also on proper maintenance and continued access. 

(With report from Jasper Marie O. Rucat /PIA Misamis Occidental with reports from DILG Misamis Occidental)