P106-M road, bridge proj set in Kabayan

By Elvy T. Estacio

KABAYAN, Benguet -- The municipal government recently broke ground for the P106.60 million improvement of Balang-Bocao farm-to-market road with vehicular bridge here at Barangay Eddet. 
    The 2.345 km with a bridge length of 72 linear meters was started Sept. 5.
    It is the sole access to Eddet, where around 178 hectares are planted with white potato, carrots, cauliflower, and tomato among other vegetables.
    It is the second FMR project in Kabayan under the Dept. of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP). 
    The project is expected to be completed in 420 days around October next year.
    The laying of the capsule was led by Kabayan Mayor Florante B. Bantales Jr., and engineer and DA-CAR OIC regional executive director lawyer Jennilyn M. Dawayan, RPCO-CAR I-BUILD  component head engineer Gaston B. Cael, with representatives from the project contractor - Balintugan Construction, municipal LGU officials, Sangguniang Bayan members and barangay LGU led by Punong Barangay Eric F. Postino.
    Residents of Barangay Eddet also witnessed the official groundbreaking of the project

During the program, municipal planning and development coordinator engineer Berry Sangao Jr. provided an overview of the subproject and its milestones.

He shared how they, the LGU technical working group, were able to fulfil compliances and cope up with challenges they encountered in the process of having the subproject approved. 

As construction work were about to commence, Municipal Agriculturist Geoffrey Binnaliw asked for  cooperation and understanding of the community since transportation will be limited and they might have to go back to the old means of carrying their agricultural products.

He urged folks to reach out to the barangay or to the municipal LGU, should there be any issues related to the construction.

“This development is very beneficial for the community here and the adjacent barangays as well. This calls for a community effort so let’s cooperate and support this project,” Binnaliw added.

Postino committed to take care of the project with community members. 

Mayor Bantales said he will oversee implementation of the subproject and that it will be completed in the earliest possible time.

“The LGU and the DA will always work hand in hand to bring an enormous and sustainable development in this community,” said Bantales expressing his gratitude to everyone involved.

In her message, Dawayan acknowledged the collaboration, openness, and unity of the LGU and the community for having a common interest and for overcoming hurdles that came along the way. 

“This is our collective responsibility to check, monitor the subproject because this is for the benefit of the community,” said Dawayan as she expressed her gratitude for the collaboration.