Surigao City receives no objection for NRJ Trinidad-Mabini farm-to-market road project
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The local government unit of Surigao City reached a significant milestone with the receipt of the No Objection Letter 1 (NOL1) for the construction of the NRJ Trinidad-Mabini Farm-to-Market Road, as part of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up.
This approval, granted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and The World Bank, marked a pivotal step in strengthening agricultural infrastructure and promoting economic growth in the region.
Awarded during a ceremonial event at the Department of Agriculture Office in Quezon City on January 10, the NOL1 is a testament to the city’s proactive efforts to enhance rural transportation networks.
The project aims to improve connectivity for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and lower transportation costs, ultimately boosting productivity and livelihoods in Surigao’s agricultural sector.
The event was led by Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., alongside PSO Mindanao Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga and representatives from various local government units across Mindanao.
Also in attendance were Surigao City officials, including Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II; Acting City Agriculturist Amelita N. Dela Cerna; City Engineer Genevieve Pontevedra, officer-in-charge of the City Planning and Development Office; Ma. Theresa Trinidad, EnP; and Engr. Karlgen Samarca, executive assistant III.
Sec. Laurel emphasized the critical role such infrastructure projects play in revitalizing the rural economy, stating, “These projects are more than roads; they are lifelines connecting our farmers to markets, opportunities, and progress.”
This collaboration between the city government of Surigao, the Department of Agriculture, and development partners highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural growth and rural development. (City Planning and Development Office/PIA-Surigao del Norte)