The Department of Agriculture (DA) broke ground Sunday on the P310.9-million Pangawan–Banao farm-to-market road project in Nueva Vizcaya.
The 10.86-kilometer project is funded by a World Bank loan of P248.7 million, plus P31.1 million from the national government and an equal P31.1-million share from the local government unit.
The road serves a highland economy built on organic farming and agroforestry, unlocking 4,191 hectares of vegetable and coffee plantations. It will cut travel time and transport losses by at least half, reduce hauling costs by 25 percent and lower farm input expenses by 17 percent.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called farm roads vital economic lifelines—linking remote fields to markets, bringing down food prices, and securing food supply.
The project directly benefits 251 indigenous households, 192 farming families, and over 1,000 residents across two barangays. It is expected to boost traffic volume by 2 percent yearly and expand areas planted to tomatoes and coffee.
