Just days before Christmas, Davao Oriental received a monumental gift: the approval of a P277-million farm-to-market road project. This road will connect Barangay Mainit in Cateel to Purok Bukobuko in Boston, bringing immense benefits to local communities.
Governor Niño Uy led the defense of the proposal during the Regional Project Advisory Board Review and Deliberation held in Davao City on December 23, 2024. The project underwent rigorous assessment to ensure its smooth implementation.
Transformative Infrastructure for a Better Future
Funded under the Philippine Rural Development Program-Scale Up by the Department of Agriculture, with support from the World Bank, the 8.6-kilometer road includes two bridge components. This project is expected to benefit over 4,000 residents or about 1,000 households, primarily composed of farmers.
Key Benefits:
- Faster transportation of farm produce to markets
- Reduced hauling costs
- Improved quality of farm yields
- Increased job opportunities during construction
The bridge component also addresses a long-standing challenge—residents will no longer need to risk crossing the Manat River, especially during floods.
Governor Niño Uy, joined by Cateel Mayor Emilou Nuñez and Provincial Planning and Development Office head Freddie Bendulo, expressed profound gratitude. Gov. Uy emphasized the significance of collaboration between local and national governments in advancing development.
Mayor Nuñez added, “This road is more than just infrastructure—it’s a promise. A promise to improve lives by making it easier for our farmers to bring their produce to markets, for residents to access vital services, and for visitors to explore the beauty of Barangay Mainit, known for its hot springs.”
Construction Timeline
Set to begin in early 2025, the project is expected to be completed on schedule, providing immediate and lasting benefits to the residents of Cateel and Boston.
This development brings new hope and inspiration, particularly for farmers who have long aspired for better transportation and access to markets. PIO
