By Rowena Cruz During a World Bank led by Engr. Raoul Azanza site visit of of the Sta Monica-Sto Niño I-San Roque-Manato Station Farm-to-Mar...
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| During a World Bank led by Engr. Raoul Azanza site visit of of the Sta Monica-Sto Niño I-San Roque-Manato Station Farm-to-Market Road on February 28, 2024 in Tagkawayan, Quezon. |
TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon - The World Bank and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) recognized Tagkawayan local government units for their exemplary environmental performance and outstanding commitment to environmental protection.
The municipality was honored as a "Safeguards Practitioner" for its proactive measures to safeguard natural resources during the construction of the Sta Monica-Sto Niño I-San Roque-Manato Station Farm-to-Market Road during the recently concluded Social and Environmental Safeguards Forum at the Manila Hotel Cagayan de Oro City.
Francis Villanueva, EnP, Municipal Planning and Development Officer, accepted the award on behalf of LGU Tagkawayan at a recent ceremony during the Social and Environmental Safeguards Forum held in Cagayan de Oro City.
As part of the FMR project, the DA-PRDP, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) in Calauag, Quezon, has committed to planting approximately 21,000 trees. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to mitigating the impact of infrastructure development and promoting long-term sustainability.
During a February 28, 2024, World Bank site visit, LGU Tagkawayan presented a Project Life Cycle Status Report, indicating the project is nearly halfway complete (48.91%). Led by World Bank consultant Engr. Raoul Azanza, the visit included a road construction inspection and focus group discussions facilitated by Ma. Theresa Quinones, World Bank Co-task Team Leader, with representatives from the four affected barangays.
The inspection team was highly impressed with LGU Tagkawayan during the subsequent exit conference. They praised the municipality's efficient implementation, which is currently two months ahead of schedule. This success was attributed to smooth project execution and the active involvement of citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs).
Building on the success of Kalahi Implementation, which valued community participation, Mayor Carlo Eleazar highlights Tagkawayan's continued commitment to resident engagement. This is evidenced by the fact that 45 of the 72 FMR workers hail from the four barangays directly impacted by the project.
The project, which began on April 1, 2023, aims to construct a modern, climate-resilient road designed to last up to 40 years. This will significantly improve the transportation of agricultural and fishing goods, boosting the local economy.
To ensure comprehensive oversight, the site visit drew on the expertise of a delegation including representatives from the World Bank, the DA-PRDP National Project Coordination Office, the South Luzon Project Support Office, and the CALABARZON Regional Project Coordination Office.
The goal of the said project, with a combined value of Php. 163,872,492.91, is to significantly improve the lives of rural residents. A reliable road network will enhance access to essential medical services, boost agricultural productivity, and open up potential new development opportunities within the specified areas. This includes the development of promising agricultural zones and aquaculture ventures.
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