Key officials broke ceremonial ground on P236-million farm-to-market road (FMR) with bridge component connecting remote Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities to the outside world and serving as key driver of socio-economic progress in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary James Layog led the groundbreaking of the rehabilitation and concreting of the Daligdigon-Paiton FMR with Bridge today, September 13, 2026, together with Governor Edwin “Kuya Gob” Jubahib and DA-XI Regional Executive Director Macario Gonzaga.

The flagship infrastructure subproject under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up involves the improvement of approximately 7.8 kilometers of provincial road, including the construction of a 90-linear-meter bridge.

Funded by the World Bank (WB), with 10% counterpart from the national government and

20% local government unit (LGU) equity, it is designed to provide a safe, all-weather, and climate-resilient transport corridor connecting the barangays of Palma Gil and Dagohoy in the tribal town of Talaingod.

Asec. Layog said the subproject aims to improve rural accessibility, reduce travel time and transportation costs, strengthen market linkages, expand economic opportunities and enhance the delivery of government services to tribal communities.

Jubahib also said the subproject is a manifestation of his administration’s thrust of providing equal opportunities for all, where no one is left behind.

“Every Dabaonon must have equal access to the services of the government,” he said.

With a duration of 597 calendar days that ends in March 2028, the subproject will directly benefit more than 14,000 residents, particularly farmers cultivating corn, abaca, coconut, banana, rubber, cacao, coffee, and other high-value crops.

The officials then proceeded to oversee the Full Operationalization of Rice Processing System II in Capungagan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, which can process three tons of rice per hour.

Gonzaga said the FMR subproject helps farmers move their products more efficiently, while the processing center helps them add more value to what they produce.

“This is the kind of rural development we want to see where infrastructure, agriculture, enterprise and access work together to create stronger and sustainable livelihoods,” he said.