₱144-M farm-to-market road opens in Tagkawayan after years of planning

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Governor Helen Tan and Tagkawayan Mayor Carlo Eleazar lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 10.04-kilometer Sta. M...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Governor Helen Tan and Tagkawayan Mayor Carlo Eleazar lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 10.04-kilometer Sta. Monica–Sto. Niño I–Manato Station farm-to-market road on March 26, 2026. (Quezon PIO)

TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon — A 10.04-kilometer farm-to-market road in Tagkawayan has finally opened after years of failed proposals, redesigns, and delays, delivering long-promised access to farming communities that had struggled with poor road conditions for decades. The project’s completion marks a breakthrough, but it also highlights how long critical infrastructure can take to materialize in rural areas.

The ₱144.46-million Sta. Monica–Sto. Niño I–Manato Station road was implemented under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project, a World Bank-supported program aimed at improving rural infrastructure. While the project is now being cited as a success, it underwent multiple rejections in earlier years before finally being approved and funded.



Despite the project’s eventual success, its path to completion was far from straightforward. Earlier applications were rejected, forcing local officials to revise plans, redesign the project, and reapply before securing approval.

Construction began only in 2023 and was completed two months ahead of schedule, a detail highlighted by project implementers as proof of improved coordination. However, the compressed timeline also reflects how long communities had already waited for the project to move forward.

The road connects the barangays of Sta. Monica, Sto. Niño I, San Roque, and Manato Station to major routes such as the Maharlika Highway and Quirino Highway. For years, these communities relied on rough, often impassable roads that slowed the transport of goods and limited access to markets such as Lucena City and Metro Manila.

The road is built using concrete designed to withstand extreme weather and is expected to last up to 40 years, addressing a long-standing problem in the area where roads would deteriorate quickly, especially during the rainy season. The project also provided temporary jobs to local residents, aligning with program goals of community participation.

A World Bank review of the project cited its organized implementation and community involvement, pointing to it as an example of effective execution under the program. Still, the recognition comes after years in which the same project struggled to gain approval.

Tagkawayan Mayor Carlo Eleazar acknowledged both the delays and the significance of the project, describing it as the result of years of persistence from local leaders and residents. He said the road addresses a long-standing need that had repeatedly been raised by affected barangays.

“Wala pong turnover pa ngayon, pero ako po ay nagagalak dahil na-inaugurate na natin ang kalsada. Itong kalsadang ito ay matagal na nating pinapangarap at pinaghirapan mula pa noong mga nakaraang taon. Napakalaking pakinabang nito dahil mas mabilis nang makakalabas ang produkto ng ating mga magsasaka at mas mapapadali ang biyahe ng ating mga kababayan.”

He also pointed to the level of coordination required to push the project through, noting that multiple layers of government and community groups had to work together to secure and implement the funding.

“The organized and systematic implementation of the first PRDP project in our town is just one of the collaborative efforts of all departments from the national, regional, and local government units down to our civil society organizations.”

Even with the road now completed, Eleazar stressed that maintaining it will be a continuing challenge, particularly given its scale and the reliance on public funds. He urged residents to take an active role in ensuring the project does not fall into disrepair.

“Ang kahilingan ko na lamang po ay pagtulungan natin itong pangalagaan at pahalagahan. Swerte po natin dahil hindi natin ito kakayaning pondohan kung tayo lamang, kaya dapat natin itong ingatan. Nang sa ganon ay mapakinabangan pa ito ng mga susunod na henerasyon.”

Angelina Tan emphasized that the project was funded through national borrowing, underscoring the need to maximize its benefits and ensure accountability in its use. She said infrastructure projects of this scale carry long-term responsibility for both government and communities.

“Ang proyektong ito ay inutang ng pambansang pamahalaan sa World Bank kaya mahalagang mapakinabangan ito nang husto. Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa transportasyon, lalo na sa pagdadala ng produkto at sa pagresponde sa mga emergency. Kayo ang makikinabang kaya dapat ninyo itong pangalagaan.”

She also warned that improved infrastructure does not automatically guarantee safety, pointing out that road discipline remains a critical concern. Without proper enforcement and community cooperation, she said, the benefits of the project could be undermined.

“Kayo na po ang may responsibilidad sa kalsadang ito at sa kaligtasan ng mga gumagamit nito. Kapag maganda ang daan, mas nagiging delikado kung walang disiplina ang mga motorista. Kaya mahalaga ang pagtutulungan ng bawat barangay upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at kaligtasan.”

While the road is expected to reduce travel time, lower transport costs, and improve access to markets, its long-term impact will depend on sustained maintenance and proper use. For communities that waited years for its completion, the challenge now shifts from building the road to making sure it delivers on its promise.