Farm-to-market road put up in Soccsksargen

MANILA, Philippines - Several farmer groups in Soccsksargen region have received farm infrastructure assistance from the government.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said a 1.2-kilometer farm-to-market road worth P6 million has recently been completed and is now servicing the marketing needs of 1,000 farmers in Banga town in South Cotabato.

The farm-to-market road traverses Brgy. Rang-ay and other barangays in Banga town, enabling farmers from these locales to transport their goods to public markets with ease.

Rang-ay has more than 1, 000 hectares of agricultural area, of which 750 hectares are dedicated to corn cultivation. Some 300 hectares, meanwhile are planted with high value crops such as coconut, cassava, guava, as well as assorted vegetables.

The DA said before the construction of the farm-to-market road, investors were hesitant to invest in the barangay because of the transport condition.

Out of the total cost, P5.5 million was funded through the DA Farm-to-Market Road Development program. The local government of Banga contributed P550,000 as counterpart funding.

Rang-ay also received a unit of village-type corn-on-con dryer worth P3 million from the Agri-Pinoy Maisan program. The drying facility is being managed by the Rang-ay Credit Cooperative.

This year, about P730 million has been allotted by the DA for the construction of farm-to-market roads in Soccsksargen.

Soccskargen regions covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.