Tramlines help Sendong-affected farmers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently inspected the Cabula tramline system which will help farmers from Baungon, Bukidnon bring their harvests to the markets of Cagayan de Oro City.

The tramline system, which seeks to address the transport needs of farmers and other residents of Baungon, is part of the government’s intervention to one of the most affected areas of typhoon Sendong last year.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said that the project, dubbed as Operation Sagip-Ani ng Baungon, was developed as an alternative transport system for farmers’ agricultural products.

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH) designed the tramlime which is capable of hauling 3,606 kilograms per hour which translates to 18 trips of 200.33 kilos. It will operate 10 hours each day.

Alcala said the tramline would enable the easy transport of agri-products from Baungon, Bukidnon to the markets of Cagayan de Oro City. The facility is part of the interventions of the Aquino government to the Sendong-affected areas in Region X.

According to Alcala, the facility is only temporary and would be dismantled upon the approval of the proposed repair and rehabilitation of the Cabula bridge. The repairs for the bridge would cost the government P140 million.

 The Cabula bridge, which links the agricultural town of Baungon to Cagayan de Oro City was damaged during the onslaught of typhoon Sendong, disrupting transportation and access of farmers and their products to the markets.

Alcala witnessed the recent signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the PHILMECH, the DA in Region X, the local government of Baungon and Bukidnon and the Congressional Office of the 1st district of Bukidon.