[ Manila Bulletin Online ] June 9, 2008
BUTUAN CITY — Economic boom continuous in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) as another P1.7 billion flagship project of President Gloria Arroyo started to traverse in key areas that will ultimately connect to other cities in Northern Mindanao and to the agricultural rich province of Bukidnon, this was learned June 8.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., upon the directive of Arroyo, ordered Northeastern Mindanao DPWH Regional Director Romeo S. Momo to personally supervise the ground works of the 70 kilometers road of Butuan City-Las Nieves (Agusan del Norte-Esperanza-Bayugan (Agusan del Sur) Section.
The ongoing road construction has also three bridges that will cross the giant Agusan river along the Agusan del Sur's agricultural-rich and timber province in the southern part of the region.
Initially the government has released R90 million for packages 1 and 2.
The farm-to-market road in Hawilian-Salug Section which will eventually connect Bukidnon via Malaybalay City has also started.
Bukidnon Gov. Jose Zubiri very much appreciated the effort of the national government in making the center core of Mindanao more accessible to business particularly farmers for their farm products.
The multi-billion project under the regular budget of the national government that is currently being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is seen to benefit upland as well as rice farmers within hinterland areas of Agusan and Bukidnon provinces.
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