by Sherwin Manual
FOR the highland community of B’laans here, the new road which connects them to main hub of the town is a gateway to better farming income while for the local government unit, an easier and faster delivery of services.
“With the use of motorcycles or trucks, it is easier for us now to bring our produce to the market since the condition of the road is favorable,” said Alan Malagante, one of the B’laan farmers.
“Before, we only use horse to bring our produce, or worst we carry it and on foot, we bring our products to the market following a muddy and even slippery trail, particularly when it rains,” Malagante recounted.
He said their fertile lands in the mountains have been producing enough yield of corn whose income could sustain his family’s needs. But come harvest time, he has to endure the unfavorable road condition which only a horse could tread.
“It was really difficult for us. And due to the poor handling of our crops, traders buy it (products) in lower prices,” he said.
“But today, we don’t expect that to happen again. This early we have already seen the help of this road as our income has increased and hope to do better in coming days,” he said.
For Mayor Aida Sincoy, the impact of road is easier access to the community in bringing them the necessary social services.
“It is now easier on our part to bring for instance medical services and other assistance since the road has provided access,” the mayor said.
“School children now enjoy easy walk from home to school and back since the road is wider and safer to traverse,” she added.
The construction of the 8-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) which directly benefited over a hundred households was made possible through the efforts of the local government unit of Malapatan, the provincial government and the Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP).
Leadership thrust
Singcoy said that her administration really focused on the construction of road networks since she knew of its impact on the lives of the people.
She said the road is not only for boosting food production but also for the government services to reach the area.
“In Malapatan, I understand that need to put in place more infrastructure just like any other developing towns. We are happy that MRDP as well as the provincial government is with us in this thrust,” the mayor added.
More opportunities
The newly accessible road brings more than ease of transportation but a whole lot of new opportunities.
The provincial government of Sarangani has recently given at least 200 sacks of corn seeds for the farmers to start their corn farming.
“The farmers here are encouraged to further expand their farms since they don’t fear of losing anymore,” said Wahid Musa, the barangay’s chief official.
“In the past, some residents and farmers here had abandoned their land since farming has been a failure. But now, they are back to their parcel of land they till and starting to rebuild their houses where there farm is since they no longer worry on the thought of farming defeat,” Musa said.
Aside from farming, the road has created jobs for motorcycle drivers that now ferry residents and students to the downtown area.
There is also another non-governmental organization that invested for the spring development of the barangay.
Further, the mayor has stressed that road opening could also trigger tourism activities in the area since it (the barangay) has a scenic panoramic view of Malapatan, natural land formations and Sarangani bay.
Grateful B’laans
Alan Malagante, in verge of tears said he couldn’t say in words how thankful he is for the road built for them.
“Kining kalsada nagdala og dakong pag-asa sa among kinabuhi (this road has brought us new hope in life.) he said. [MRDP]
