THE Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has announced the construction of a ₱200-million farm-to-market road, which will connect Barangay Mainit in Cateel to Purok Bukobuko in Boston.
The 8.6-kilometer road will feature two bridge components and is set to benefit approximately 4,000 residents, primarily farmers. The new road aims to improve transportation, making it easier for farmers in Cateel and Boston to bring their goods to market and address longstanding challenges in hauling produce.
“Gawas sa pagpadali sa transportasyon sa mga abot sa mga mag-uuma padulong sa merkado, lakip usab sa benepsiyo sa maong proyekto ang pagmenos sa hauling cost, pagtaas sa kalidad sa mga abot sa mag-uuma, ug paghatag og dugang panginabuhian sa trabahante atol sa konstruksyon (Aside from expediting the transportation of farmers' produce to the market, the benefits of this project also include reducing hauling costs, improving the quality of the farmers' produce, and providing additional livelihood opportunities for workers during construction)," the Local Government Unit (LGU) said in a Facebook post on December 24, 2024.
Additionally, the project includes the construction of a bridge that will eliminate the need for residents to cross the Manat River, which poses a safety risk during heavy rainfall.
Cateel Municipal Mayor Emilou Nuñez expressed her gratitude, describing the project as a symbol of collaboration between local and national governments to improve lives.
“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,” she said.
The project was spearheaded by Davao Oriental Governor Niño Uy during the Regional Project Advisory Board Review and Deliberation in Davao City on December 23, 2024. The initiative was carefully evaluated by local chief executives to ensure its proper implementation.
Funding for the project will come from the Philippine Rural Development Program-Scale Up, a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the World Bank. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with an on-time completion targeted to allow residents to benefit immediately. RGP
