DAR unveils road, irrigation projects costing P100 M in Zambo Norte

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA—Rural infrastructure projects costing more than P100 million have been lined up for Zamboanga del Norte as part of the government’s rural development program in partnership with the Asian Development Bank.

In a news release, the Department of Agrarian Reform said the projects would benefit farmers covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in Zamboanga del Norte, one of the country’s poorest provinces.

The projects, estimated to cost P108.92 million, include the concreting of four farm-to-market roads in the towns of Siocon, Labason, Manukan and Sindangan, and the construction of the Panabutan communal irrigation in Sirawai, according to the DAR.

DAR Regional Director Julita Ragandang said the goal is to reduce poverty and raise the standard of living of farmers.

“Zamboanga del Norte, whose residents consists mainly of farmers and fisher folks, will greatly benefit from these infrastructure facilities. These will enhance the rural economy and in the process, create job opportunities in the province,” Ragandang said.

The infrastructure projects are under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community Project and will cover 19 agrarian reform communities in Zamboanga del Norte.

Ragandang added that the continuing support provided by the ADB and other partners in the donor community “is a testament to the capability and credibility of DAR to implement large-scale development projects under the CARP.”