Sunday, August 15, 2004 New roads boost farmers' income
BULUAN, Maguindanao -- Banana farmers are ecstatic over the new opportunities for increased productivity and incomes as a result of the newly rehabilitated Kalian-Daladagan road.
These farmers, and others engaged in trading activities will now be able to move their goods faster and safer over an all-weather road constructed by the Usaid-funded Growth With Equity in Mindanao's (GEM) Program's Community Infrastructure Program (CIP).
As a result of improved road conditions, traders estimate that transport costs for commodities will be reduced by as much as 75 percent, while vehicles servicing the area will also save 10 percent of their operating costs.
The old, un-paved road was wide enough only for motorcycles and farm animals.
It was also flood-prone as it did not have an adequate drainage system.
Transporting goods to market was a logistical nightmare for farmers and traders, alike.
Barangay residents had to pay as much as P20 per sack to transport their commodities to the poblacion market or to nearby municipalities.
Their produce suffered heavy damage due to the bad road conditions and extended travel time, thus reducing its market value.
This meant lower income for farmers and declining reinvestments in new plantings.
The new, wider road now allows two four-wheeled vehicles to travel side by side, giving residents timely and reliable access to market centers.
A regular habal-habal (a motorcycle fitted to accommodate six passengers) route has been established to move commuters along the Kalian-Daladagan road.
The problem of flooding has been solved with culverts.
Barangay Matilac, Pigacawayan, North Cotabato is the site of another completed GEM-CIP road project also an all-weather road with culverts. Local officials are now encouraging residents and farmers to engage in intensive rice and corn farming or venture into trading.
If realized, these economic activities will considerably increase local revenues and household income.
Local officials note that the new road has opened new windows of opportunity for fruit and vegetable trading as well as closed contracts with neighboring communities and market centers.
The GEM Program is implemented in partnership with the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) and the national government's "Mindanao Natin" initiative. GEM Program
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