COURTESY: DTI Misamis Oriental
Hey folks! There’s some exciting news coming out of Nangcaon, and it’s about to make a big difference for our local farmers! On an otherwise ordinary day, the air buzzed with excitement as the **Groundbreaking Ceremony Improvement of Nangcaon Farm-to-Market Road** kicked off. This isn’t just any road improvement project—this is a life-changer for our community.
So, what’s the big deal? The RAPID Growth Project, an initiative by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the Eastern Visayas and Mindanao regions, is the mastermind behind this transformation. Supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), RAPID aims to boost the income levels of small farmers and unemployed rural men and women. The project focuses on enhancing selected agri-based value chains, including our beloved coffee. And now, this ambitious project has been extended to 2027 from its initial timeline of 2018-2025. Talk about staying power!
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. The FMI component of the RAPID Growth Project is all about creating efficient market access for farmers. Imagine being able to transport your fresh produce without the hassle of bumpy, muddy roads! This is where the 1.2-kilometer **Nangcaon Farm-to-Market Road (FMR)** comes into play. It’s the third of five approved FMIs in the region and, trust me, it's going to change the game for over 50 coffee farmers from the Nangcaon Tribal Farmers Association, not to mention more than 400 other farmers in the barangay who produce various commodities.
With a hefty price tag of Php30.2 million, this FMI project is expected to be completed within 165 calendar days, starting in early August this year. Blink, and you might miss it!
But what does this mean for our coffee farmers? Oh, it’s big. For starters, the improved road will make it so much easier for them to get their coffee beans to market. No more endless delays or spoiled produce. The RAPID Growth Project is all about increasing income levels, and by making market access more efficient, we’re looking at higher profits and better living standards for our farmers.
The Nangcaon Tribal Farmers Association, in particular, stands to benefit immensely. Over 50 coffee farmers will now have a more direct route to bring their products to market. Plus, with the extension of the RAPID Growth Project to 2027, there’s plenty of time to make the most of these new opportunities.
But hey, it’s not just coffee that’s getting the spotlight. Over 400 other farmers in the barangay who produce a variety of commodities will also reap the benefits of this improved infrastructure. Whether it’s fruits, vegetables, or other agri-products, the new road will be a lifeline for everyone involved.
The FMI project is more than just a road—it’s a symbol of hope and progress. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together with the support of initiatives like RAPID and IFAD. This road will pave the way (pun intended) for better market access, increased incomes, and ultimately, a brighter future for all the farmers in Nangcaon.
So, what’s next on the agenda? With the groundbreaking ceremony marking the official start, construction is already underway. The goal is to have everything wrapped up within 165 days, but let’s keep our fingers crossed for smooth sailing all the way.
In the meantime, let’s celebrate this milestone and look forward to the positive changes it will bring. The **Groundbreaking Ceremony Improvement of Nangcaon Farm-to-Market Road** is more than just a construction project—it’s a beacon of hope, resilience, and progress for our farming community.
So, here’s to smoother roads, better market access, and a brighter future for our small farmers. Cheers, Nangcaon! Let’s keep paving the way to prosperity!
