Farmers See Rays Of Light In Road Opening Project

An improved life condition for farmers in the mountain villages in the town of Oslob is finally in sight.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III, Vice Governor Agnes A. Magpale and second district Congressman Wilfredo Caminero inspected the P52 million road opening project in Barangay Consoloay, Oslob last February 5.

Davide and Caminero lobbied for the project in Congress. The project is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Countryside development, including improvement of the agriculture sector, is on top of the list of Gov. Davide’s 6-key development agenda.

Governor Hilario P. Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale visited the P52 million road-opening project in Barangay Consoloay, Oslob last February 5.

Second district Congresssman Wilfredo Caminero, who lobbied for the project in Congress, guided the provincial officials to the site. The project is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The project is seen to ease the hassle in transporting farm products and lessen the traveling expenses of farmers. Caminero looked at the untapped areas in the mountains as the “sleeping giant” that would spur economic activity even in remote areas.

The road opening was started three weeks ago and is targeted for completion in two months.

Cansaloay Barangay Captain Acelino Baguio said the main component of the project is now 25 percent paved. The total road length is nearly nine (9) kilometers and is eight (8) meters width.

The new road will connect the existing road networks in the next towns of Boljoon and Alcoy and up to the Dalaguete-Argao vegetable highway.

Baguio said the project is a huge relief for the farmers. At present, the farmers walk six (6) kilometers from Cansaloay to Sitio Lingatong, Upper Becerril, Boljoon with their goods on their back. Others would hire a sledge for P1.50 per kilo as payment.

“Kung mosakay kas balsa wa nay plete ang tag-iyas karga. Pero masamot kadako ang gasto kay pakan-on pa nimo ug paimnon ang nagdala sa balsa (If you ride with your goods on the sledge only the goods will be charged for fare. However, you will spend more money because you have to buy food and drinks for the driver),” he said.

From Sitio Lingatong, Upper Becerril, their goods will be transported to Carbon Market in Cebu City for P2.50 per kilo charge.

Baguio said they have no choice. There is a road from Cansaloay to the national highway passing Barangay Nueva Caceres, Oslob, which is about 13 kilometers from Cansaloay. But the road is too hilly for vehicles carrying goods.

Another problem, Baguio added, is they cannot also pass the Caceres road when they are hauling construction materials or transporting feeds,. He said the road is dangerous for trucks that are fully loaded. Thus, they have to pass along the Poblacion, (municipality of) Samboan – Cañang, Oslob road, which is already too far from Cansaloay.

By Xerxes Alkuino