Surigao del Sur Coffee Farmers to Benefit from P30.9-M Road Project

Good news to all coffee farmers in the far-flung villages of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has already laid the groundwork for a P30.9-million road concreting project.

Regional director Engr. Felix B. Aguhob and Tagbina Mayor Generoso Naraiso led both regional and local officials in the ground-breaking ceremony held in Barangay Kahayagan last February 6.

According to DAR 13 spokesperson Joie L. Ceballos, the road project will help coffee farmers from Mabuhay and Kahayagan areas in transporting their harvest.

Aside from the road project, the groundbreaking for the Extension of Level II Potable Water System in Sitio Mabuhay was also held on the same day. The water system project is designed to help in the production and processing of the coffee.

Mayor Naraiso expressed his gratitude to the DAR on behalf of the people of Tagbina: “Out of 19 municipalities in Surigao del Sur, it is our Tagbina that is blessed to have this road and water project.”

The chairwoman of the Kahayagan Water System Sanitation Association (KAWASA), Arlyn Ruiz, believes that the water project will greatly aid their livelihood and day-to-day living. She added that once the water system has been installed, household chores will be easier and they will have more time to attend to their children and livelihood.

370 households are expected to benefit from the P2-million water expansion project.

Both the road concreting project and water expansion project are part of the Convergence on Value Chain Enhancement for Rural Growth and Development (ConVERGE) project of the DAR, which is funded by the Philippine government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

via Manila Bulletin / Mike Crismundo