LAMUT, Ifugao — Nearly 3,000 residents are expected to benefit from the rehabilitation of a Php140-million Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) subproject under the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Scale-Up.
On January 29, 2026, the municipal government of Lamut formally broke ground for the improvement of the 6.6-kilometer Bannit–Nunhabatan–Hapid FMR, a vital access road supporting agricultural production in the area.
The groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremonies were led by Mayor Atty. Mariano B. Buyagawan Jr. and DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, alongside members of the Sangguniang Bayan and other project stakeholders.
Primarily designed to support the banana cardava industry, the subproject is expected to enhance connectivity, revive previously abandoned agricultural areas, and boost farm productivity and income opportunities for local farmers.
Expressing gratitude for the collective efforts that led to the approval of the subproject, Mayor Buyagawan committed to closely monitor its implementation to prevent delays.
“We will stand firm on our mantra nga haan mangyari dijay slippage iti daytoy nga subproject, in the same manner nga aramiden met ti contractor tapno maipatumpal daytoy within the given timeframe,” the mayor said, urging the community to serve as stewards of the subproject.
He also noted that several government facilities are planned in the area, making the road beneficial not only to farmers but also to national government agencies.
Meanwhile, Director Dawayan reaffirmed DA-PRDP’s support for compliant LGU initiatives and underscored the role of the community in ensuring the project’s success.
“This is a shared responsibility,” she said, calling on all stakeholders to ensure quality standards, timely completion, and farming activities are not unduly disrupted. She further encouraged community involvement in monitoring the subproject, stressing that the road is primarily for their benefit. “Daytoy ket para kanyayo, dakayo ti nangnangruna a mang-usar itidaytoy nga kalsada,” the director added.
The punong barangays of Payawan and Hapid likewise expressed their gratitude for the project, describing the FMR as a lifelong dream of residents in the area that is now finally becoming a reality.
The FMR subproject is expected to be completed in May 2027.** Elvy T. Estacio (RPCO CAR InfoACE Unit)
