Negros Oriental Completes Geotagging for PRDP Farm-to-Market Roads

The Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit (PPMIU) of Negros Oriental completed the Geotagging of the proposed PRDP Road Network in the municipalities of Pamplona, Sibulan, and Valencia. The Geotagging of the proposed project sites has been conducted since June of this year and was finally completed on the 4th of July 2024.

Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) Executive Director and PRDP Focal Person John Jalandoni took the lead in the conduct of the said activities, together with the members of the PPMIU-Negros Oriental.

The geotagging is part of the requirements to seek the PRDP funding for the proposed 1.2 billion farm-to-market roads in the province which intend to spur local economic development of the said LGU beneficiaries.

The Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit (PPMIU) of Negros Oriental has successfully completed the geotagging of the proposed Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Road Network across three municipalities: Pamplona, Sibulan, and Valencia. This geotagging, which began in June 2024, marks a significant step towards securing crucial funding for the development of farm-to-market roads in the province.

The geotagging process, which concluded on July 4, 2024, was meticulously conducted by the PPMIU-Negros Oriental team, led by John Jalandoni, the Executive Director of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) and the PRDP Focal Person. This initiative forms part of the essential requirements to obtain financial support from the PRDP, which is necessary for the realization of the proposed road network.

The proposed farm-to-market roads, estimated to cost around 1.2 billion pesos, are intended to catalyze local economic development within the beneficiary municipalities. By improving the infrastructure, the roads will significantly enhance access to markets for local farmers and producers, thereby boosting their economic potential and contributing to the overall growth of the region.

Jalandoni emphasized the importance of the geotagging process, noting that it is a critical component of the project’s planning and approval stages. “Geotagging is not just a procedural requirement; it is a strategic step that allows us to map out and validate the exact locations of the proposed roads. This ensures that the infrastructure will meet the specific needs of the communities it is meant to serve,” Jalandoni explained.

The completion of this geotagging activity underscores the commitment of the Negros Oriental PPMIU and its partners to expedite the development of essential infrastructure projects in the province. The proposed road network is expected to connect rural areas more efficiently to major trading centers, reducing transportation costs and time for farmers and traders. This, in turn, will facilitate the flow of goods, improve market access, and ultimately lead to increased income for local communities.

The farm-to-market road project is seen as a key driver of economic development in Negros Oriental, particularly in the municipalities of Pamplona, Sibulan, and Valencia. The roads will not only support the agricultural sector but also promote tourism and other local industries by improving accessibility and connectivity.

As the project moves forward, the PPMIU and its partners remain focused on fulfilling all necessary requirements to secure the PRDP funding. The next steps include the submission of the geotagging data and other supporting documents for evaluation and approval by the PRDP. Once approved, the project will enter the implementation phase, bringing the much-needed infrastructure improvements closer to reality for the people of Negros Oriental.

The successful completion of the geotagging process is a promising sign that Negros Oriental is on track to achieve its development goals. With the continued collaboration between the local government units, NOCCI, and other stakeholders, the realization of the farm-to-market roads will be a significant milestone in the province’s journey towards sustainable economic growth.