New road of hope for the Manobo farmers in Tago, Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — For years, farmers in the far-flung barangays of Tago, Surigao del Sur, particularly members of the Manobo indigenous peoples’ (IP) community, struggled with poor road access that limited their ability to bring products to market and access basic services.
The long-standing challenge is gradually being addressed through the Kinabigtasan–Lindoy farm-to-market road (FMR), a one-unit concrete bridge, a flagship infrastructure project under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The project supports the priority agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen food security, rural connectivity, and inclusive economic growth, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.
A road of hope for the Manobo community
For the Manobo farmers living in upland communities, the road represents more than improved infrastructure; it symbolizes renewed hope and opportunity.
Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Datu Jenebert Gaco, shared that the completion of the Kinabigtasan–Lindoy FMR will significantly improve their livelihoods, especially for families engaged in abaca production, one of the community’s primary sources of income.
“Dako kaayo ang among paglaum sa paghuman sa dalan, ilabi na sa pagpalambo sa among panginabuhian. Mas mapadali na ang pagdala sa among abaca ngadto sa merkado, nga maghatag og mas dako nga kita ug mas lig-on nga kaugmaon sa among komunidad,” Gaco said.
(We have great hope for the completion of the road, especially in improving our livelihood. It will make it easier to transport our abaca to the market, which will provide higher income and a more stable future for our community.)
With improved access, farmers will be able to transport their harvest faster and at lower cost, helping increase their income and reduce post-harvest losses.
Strengthening connectivity under PBBM’s food security and infrastructure agenda
The Kinabigtasan–Lindoy FMR is a priority I-BUILD subproject under PRDP Scale-Up, a program aligned with the administration’s push to modernize agriculture and improve rural infrastructure.
According to DA Caraga Regional Director Rebecca Atega, the project is funded through a collaborative effort, namely, 80 percent funding from the World Bank, 10 percent from the Philippine government, and 10 percent from the local government of Tago.
Spanning 10 kilometers and including a one-unit concrete bridge, the project is expected to directly benefit farming communities by reducing travel time, lowering transportation costs, and improving access to markets and essential services such as schools and health facilities.
Currently, the project has achieved more than 20% completion, with weather conditions, particularly prolonged rainfall in previous months, affecting construction progress. The project is scheduled to be completed within 280 calendar days.
World Bank visit highlights transparency and community participation
The project site was recently visited by stakeholders as part of the 5th World Bank Implementation Support Mission (WB-ISM) in Mindanao on April 17, to monitor progress and ensure effective implementation.
During the visit, representatives from the World Bank, PRDP National and Regional Offices, DA Caraga, and local government units conducted site inspections and consulted with beneficiaries at the Kinabigtasan Barangay Hall.
World Bank Co-Task Team Leader Maria Theresa Quiñones encouraged residents to monitor the project’s implementation.
“We encourage the beneficiary communities to serve as ‘CCTV of the PRDP,’ ensuring quality, transparency, and accountability throughout the project implementation,” Quiñones emphasized.
Community members also shared their experiences and provided recommendations to improve project delivery, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement in achieving sustainable outcomes.
A dream realized for farmers and communities
For Tago Mayor Jelio Val C. Laurente, the project fulfills a long-held aspiration of farmers and residents who have endured years of limited connectivity.
“For many years, our constituents have hoped for the realization of this project. To our farmers and families, this is not just about cement and steel. It is a symbol of hope that their struggles are being seen and addressed,” Mayor Laurente said.
The improved road is expected to expand economic opportunities in barangays along its route, enhancing agricultural productivity and enabling better access to markets.
Integrated development for sustainable livelihoods
PRDP Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga emphasized that the project is part of a broader development strategy that integrates infrastructure with agricultural production and enterprise support.
“Under PRDP, infrastructure is never implemented in isolation. Every road we build is linked to production areas and market access, ensuring that investments are strategic and responsive to actual value chain needs,” Gonzaga explained.
This integrated approach aligns with national efforts to enhance agricultural competitiveness and empower rural communities, key priorities under the Bagong Pilipinas development agenda.
Inclusive growth through strong partnerships
The Municipality of Tago expressed gratitude to partner institutions, including the World Bank, Department of Agriculture, and other implementing agencies, for their continued support in delivering the project.
More than a physical structure, the Kinabigtasan–Lindoy FMR stands as a testament to inclusive development, ensuring that even remote communities benefit from government programs designed to uplift rural livelihoods.
Bringing development closer to communities
As the Kinabigtasan–Lindoy Farm-to-Market Road continues to take shape, its impact is already being felt by farmers, Indigenous Peoples, and families who depend on agriculture for survival.
By improving connectivity, strengthening market access, and supporting agricultural productivity, the project reflects the government’s commitment under President Marcos Jr.’s agenda to enhance food security, empower rural communities, and deliver equitable development to every corner of the country.
For the Manobo farmers of Tago, the road ahead is no longer just a path through rugged terrain. It is a pathway toward better income, improved access to services, and a more secure future. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
