By Marcelo B. Lihgawon
LAMUT, Ifugao, Philippines — Communities in two municipalities in the province of Ifugao will now enjoy better mobility and access to services, and may look forward to better economic opportunities, with the completion of three access road projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the national government.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento and Ifugao Governor Jerry U. Dalipog led the formal turnover of the Lebeng-Cupang and Liwon-Ballukuk access roads (Phase 1) in Asipulo and the Pieza-Ambasa-Magulon Farm-to-Market Road concreting project in Lamut to the beneficiary communities on Sept. 4.
The road improvement projects had a combined cost of P67 million, sourced from PAMANA’s Fiscal Year 2025 funds.
Sarmiento underscored the importance of the projects in improving access and mobility of the people, opening up economic opportunities for beneficiary communities, and fostering lasting peace and inclusive growth across the province.
Secretary Sarmiento, together with other government officials, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Asipulo town, marking the completion and formal turnover of the projects to beneficiary communities in Asipulo and Lamut.
“Congratulations to the provincial leadership, implementing partners and local residents for supporting the projects’ implementation,” he said.
Liwon Punong Barangay Florencio Nangimlo and Namal Punong Barangay Grace Tayaban expressed their appreciation to OPAPRU, the provincial and municipal local government units and other government agencies for their support in the implementation of the projects.
“Today is very meaningful to us because our community has finally received the newly constructed infrastructure facility, which is a great help to us. We accept this as a symbol of our commitment and unity with our partners,” Tayaban said.
She emphasized that the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to bringing development closer to the people and responding to the needs of communities at the grassroots level.
Nangimlo said the improvement of the Lebeng-Cupang and Liwon-Ballukuk access roads has brought peace, progress, and hope to residents.
Aside from the turnover of these completed projects, Sarmiento also led the groundbreaking of some PAMANA projects in Ifugao, funded under its 2026 funds (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)
