By Rachel Magday
KASIBU,Nueva Vizcaya — The Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project – Regional Project Coordination Office 02 has officially handed over the Malabing Farm-to-Market Road to the Local Government Unit of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
This P193 million infrastructure project is set to transform the region, enhancing the agricultural landscape of the area known as the Citrus Capital of the North.
DA Assistant Secretary for Operations and PRDP Deputy Project Director U-Nichols Manalo attended the turnover ceremony on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.
Highlighting the project’s impact, Manalo stated, “This FMR will enhance accessibility and will foster economic growth, open up new markets to increase the livelihood and income of our beneficiaries – the citrus farmers.” He reiterated the Department’s commitment to supporting farmers and fisherfolk and addressing the challenges within the agriculture sector.
Regional Executive Director and Project Director Rose Mary G. Aquino congratulated the officials of Kasibu for completing the project on schedule.
She emphasized the importance of leveraging the new infrastructure for enterprise development, urging the community to explore by-products such as Vitamin C. “PRDP is not only about roads but also agribusiness. There should be related enterprises to be put up that will contribute to the economic development of people’s lives,” Aquino noted.
Former Governor Ruth R. Padilla, representing Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, reflected on the project’s origins during her tenure. She expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that brought the project to completion , stating, “This project was initiated during my incumbency as Governor with citrus as commodity. But the completion of this is a manifestation of our unified efforts in supporting agriculture in this province.”
Governor Gambito shared his thoughts on the project’s significance, saying, “The Malabing Farm-to-Market Road is more than just a pathway; it’s a gateway to prosperity for our farmers. This infrastructure will empower our agricultural community to expand their reach, improve their productivity, and ultimately enrich the agricultural heritage of Nueva Vizcaya. Supporting agriculture is a top priority for my administration, and I am committed to ensuring that our farmers have the resources and infrastructure they need to thrive.”
Kasibu Mayor Romeo Tayaban, expressed gratitude to the DA PRDP for funding the project. Of the total cost, the provincial government, under the late Governor Carlos M. Padilla, allocated P10 million as a counterpart, while the municipal government of Kasibu contributed P20 million. Spanning four barangays with a total population of 737 and 165 households, the construction of the road began in March 2022 and was completed in October 2024.
The event saw the attendance of various officials, including Regional Technical Director Kay S. Olivas, Vice Mayor Alberto Bumolo Jr., Provincial Agriculturist Absalom Rizal Baysa, and several barangay captains from the area.
