BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
OCEANGOLD Philippines (OPG) recently turned over three more farm-to-market (FMR) projects worth P9 million to villagers in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces in simple ceremonies.
“For hundreds of villagers in these two provinces, a simple road means more than just a path. It is a bridge to opportunity, security and progress,” said Joan Adaci-Cattiling, OGP president and general manager for external affairs and social performance.
With these newly completed FMR projects, Adaci-Cattiling said around 500 residents are now able to travel more safely and conveniently to schools, farms and nearby towns.
These new FMRs included those constructed at Barangay Villa Aurora, Diadi in Nueva Vizcaya, a 223.5-meter road reinforced with three cross drainages and a sturdy retaining wall; Barangay Ricarte Sur, Diffun in Quirino, a 246-meter road with a cross drainage unit, a retaining wall, and a drainage canal for better water flow; and Barangay Pinaripad Norte, Aglipay, also in Quirino, a 247.5-meter road strengthened with a pipe culvert and slope protection.
Adaci-Cattiling noted that for many years, villagers traveled through rough and muddy trails, making it difficult for farmers to bring their produce to the market and for children to go to school.
“Now, with these newly built roads, funded through OGP’s Community Development Fund (CDF) everyday life becomes a little easier, and possibilities grow a little bigger,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Diffun and Aglipay roads in Quirino province were officially turned over in January, while the Diadi project in Nueva Vizcaya was completed in December 2024.
As these roads open new doors for the communities, they stand as a testament, Adaci-Catting added.