CAGAYAN de Oro City — The long-term value of ₱26.153 million worth of roads and a steel shed in Sumilao will depend on proper maintenance and whether the projects deliver tangible benefits to farmers and residents.
The municipal government has turned over farm-to-market roads in Barangays Kisolon and San Vicente, along with a steel shed at the Municipal Plaza in Kisolon.
Mayor Venice Marie P. Villo said the roads are intended to ease the transport of agricultural produce and help farmers bring their harvests to market more efficiently.
Records showed that the four projects received a combined ₱26.153 million through the national government’s Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU), Local Government Support Fund–Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP), and Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF).
Of the total, ₱20 million went to the road connecting Puroks 5A and 5B in Barangay Kisolon. Another ₱2.5 million each funded a road in Purok 3, Kisolon, and a road in Barangay San Vicente.
The remaining ₱1.153 million funded the steel shed, which is intended to provide a covered venue for public services, gatherings and community activities.
Villo said the projects support the municipality’s efforts to expand economic opportunities and improve access to essential services.
However, the extent of their benefits remains to be established. The local government has yet to provide figures showing whether the improved roads have reduced hauling costs or travel time for farmers.
Such data would help residents assess whether the road projects are making it easier and less costly to bring agricultural produce to buyers.
The roads’ lengths, maintenance arrangements and the budget for their upkeep would also help the public assess how the investments will be sustained.
While the projects are intended to improve rural transport and provide space for community activities, their long-term value will depend on road conditions, continued accessibility and regular maintenance. (With reports from Gryzl Francess L. Adviento/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
