New infrastructure projects bring relief to remote Bansalan community
For years, residents of a remote farming community in Bansalan struggled to cross flood-prone areas just to transport crops, reach neighboring barangays, or travel safely during heavy rains. Now, with the completion of three infrastructure projects turned over by the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur on May 7, 2026, residents say daily life in the area is finally beginning to change.
Led by Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas and Vice Governor Marc Cagas, the turnover ceremony covered three completed projects: a box culvert in Purok 10 (Purok Abokado), Barangay Darapuay, worth nearly PHP 1.2 million; the concreting of a farm-to-market road connecting Purok 6, Barangay Darapuay, to Barangay Altavista, worth close to PHP 3 million; and the renovation of four comfort rooms inside the Bansalan Sangguniang Bayan Building, worth nearly PHP 500,000.
While modest in scale compared to large national infrastructure projects, local officials and residents say the developments could have a lasting impact on mobility, agriculture, and daily living in the upland community. The provincial government said the projects were designed to improve both the lives and livelihoods of residents.
According to the Davao del Sur Provincial Information Office led by Sherwin Cesar, LPT, the goal of the Provincial Government under Governor Cagas is to provide comfort and improve the lives and livelihoods of the people of Davao del Sur.
Barangay Darapuay residents express gratitude
For Barangay Darapuay residents, the most significant improvement is the newly completed box culvert, which now allows farmers to cross an area long plagued by flooding and strong water currents. Barangay Captain Adjutor Candones expressed deep gratitude, noting that the people of Purok Abokado had waited for many years for this project. He thanked Governor Cagas and Vice Governor Cagas for acting immediately on the long-standing request, as the area had become impassable during floods due to strong water currents.
Most residents in the area depend on farming for their livelihood, producing rubber, coconuts, vegetables, and other crops. During periods of heavy rain, transporting produce often became difficult and risky, affecting incomes and limiting access to markets.
Impact of rural infrastructure on agriculture and poverty
Studies have shown that rural infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads and drainage crossings play a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity and reducing poverty in remote communities. According to the World Bank, improved rural roads reduce transport costs, shorten travel time, improve access to markets, and increase farmer incomes by strengthening connectivity between isolated communities and economic centers.
The World Bank's Philippine Rural Development Project reported that more than 2,400 kilometers of rural roads built nationwide helped reduce travel time by 41 percent and transport costs by around 21 percent, while increasing household incomes among farmer beneficiaries. Separate studies conducted in rural areas of Mindanao and Caraga also found that farm-to-market roads significantly improved accessibility, created employment opportunities, and increased household income among farming communities.
Transparency and accountability in public spending
In Bansalan, officials said the turnover ceremony itself was equally important because it demonstrated transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. Bansalan Vice Mayor Kirby Villaraiz emphasized that turning over projects is a form of transparency for the people of Davao del Sur, as it allows them to see where their taxes are going and confirms that the projects are real and not ghost projects.
Villaraiz added that project turnovers also allow officials to directly assess additional needs in communities. He noted that it is important for officials to personally visit the places they go to so they can witness the situation themselves and see what else is lacking. During the turnover, the governor personally saw what still needs assistance in the coming years or in her future term, which underscores the true importance and message of the turnover.
Beyond agriculture, infrastructure development in far-flung communities often creates ripple effects that improve access to education, healthcare, emergency response, and government services. The provincial government remains committed to addressing the needs of upland communities through continued infrastructure support.
