ROSARIO, La Union Feb 28 (PIA) - With the aim to help ease the movement of commodities in the area, the provincial government of La Union (PGLU) and the Department of Agriculture (DA RFO-1) in the Ilocos inaugurated a 38-million peso farm-to market road on February 23, here.

The farm-to-market road was identified as the 63-meter linear Malicnao Bridge which was constructed under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and will benefit the residents of Barangays Poblacion East, Alipang, Vila, Cadumanian, and Carunoan East, all of Rosario town.

According to the PGLU, the former wood-bridge became impassable during typhoons which hampered the transport of mango produce and other commodities which are being sold to the market of the town.

"With this newly rehabilitated infrastructure, the transportation costs of our mango producers and other vegetable produce in the area will be reduced, and their income is expected to increase," said La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III.

Further, he also said that the travel time will also be reduced from 25 minutes to 15 minutes only.

"This project will benefit about 7,000 residents of the town," Ortega added.

Moreover, due to the timely implementation of the project, DA Deputy Project Director Elma Mananes for Luzon A along with DA-RFO 1 Regional Executive Director Nestor Domenden awarded a certificate of recognition to the provincial government of La Union due to the project's positive variance. The inauguration was attended by the town's local and barangay officials.

Furthermore, the PGLU committed to allot an annual funding and manpower complement for the maintenance of the bridge. The infrastructure can accommodate a gross weight of vehicles of not more than 20 tons.

The PGLU proposed the rehabilitation in 2015 with the support of the World Bank and the DA RFO-1, and was completed in December 05, 2020.

PRDP is a six-year national project under the DA that aims to establish a modern, value chain-oriented and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector.

In partnership with local government units (LGUs) and the private sector, the PRDP shall provide key infrastructure, facilities, technology and information to raise incomes, productivity and competitiveness in targeted areas. (JCR/VHS/AHFF, PIA-1)