₱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. The project underwent multiple rejections in earlier years before finally being approved and funded.

Construction began in 2023 and was completed two months ahead of schedule, reflecting improved coordination among the local government, contractors, and partner agencies. The road is built using concrete designed to withstand extreme weather and is expected to last up to 40 years.



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. These links are expected to improve access to markets such as Lucena City, Metro Manila, and nearby provinces.

Tagkawayan Mayor Carlo Eleazar acknowledged the long process behind the project and described it as the result of years of persistence from local leaders and residents. He said the road addresses a long-standing need 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.”

Eleazar urged residents to help maintain the road and stressed that its long-term value depends on proper care and shared responsibility. He added that community cooperation will determine how long the benefits of the project will last.

“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.”

Helen Tan emphasized that the project was funded through national borrowing and underscored the need to maximize its benefits. 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 stressed the importance of discipline among road users to ensure safety and prevent accidents. She said cooperation among barangays is necessary to maintain order along the road.

“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.”
The road is expected to reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and improve access to markets for farmers and residents. Its long-term impact will depend on proper maintenance and responsible use by the community.