Basilan – The Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Program of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform has taken significant strides in infrastructure development with a comprehensive field activity in the municipality.
The initiative focused on the validation of proposed sites for infrastructure projects under the AD INFRA Component, emphasizing feasibility, environmental sustainability, and community impact.
The site validation began with the evaluation of the first subproject priority: the Improvement and Concreting of the Sitio Kaynahan, Barangay Lubukan Farm-to-Market Road (FMR). This subproject is vital to achieving the overarching objectives of the MIADP, ensuring that infrastructure improvements are sustainable and beneficial to the community.
The Project Support Office (PSO) team, composed of Deputy Project Director (DPD) Cristy Polido, PSO Infrastructure Development Specialist Engr. Mongaya, PSO Component 3 Head Larry Agpalo, and Nelson Faustino from PSO Monitoring & Evaluation, provided their observations on the subproject. Their key concerns focused on the proximity of the project to the coastal area, underlining the need to address potential environmental impacts to ensure the project’s long-term viability.
The Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) BARMM’s Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) team played a crucial role in this aspect, verifying that the project adhered to MIADP’s strict environmental guidelines. The team carefully measured the distances from the shoreline to the proposed FMR to ensure compliance with the MENRE standards.
Further, subsequent site validations were conducted at proposed project locations, including the improvement of a farm-to-market road and a footbridge in Barangay Tausan and Barangay Lubukan. These infrastructure projects aim to enhance the transport of essential goods, reduce costs and time, and ultimately boost local economic activities.
The team conducted site validations in Barangay Tausan, identifying potential projects for a Potable Water System and a Community-Scale Irrigation System, with DPD Cristy stressing the importance of potability and pumping tests to ensure water safety and adequate supply.
The final phase of the field activity included a crucial meeting between the PSO team, the RPCO BARMM validation team, and the Local Project Management and Implementation Unit (LPMIU). This collaboration is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring the long-term success of the projects.
The MIADP’s field activity in Hadji Muhtamad marks a significant step towards enhancing agricultural infrastructure in Basilan, with a focus on sustainability, community impact, and economic growth.
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