Lanao village needs good road as part of peace-building

BARANGAY NUNUNGUN, Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte (MindaNews/16 March) – For development workers from non-government organizations in Lanao del Norte, to describe the road leading to this interior barangay of Poona Piagapo town as rough would be an understatement.

The NGO personnel came here to join the residents in celebrating kanduri sa barangay (thanksgiving), seven months after they were displaced by military operations against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). But they could not help noticing the bad state of the road, which they viewed to have hindered local development.

Rodrigo Gamit, a consultant of Ecoweb Inc, said the road condition means lack of access to development opportunities and medical services, among others. He said it would explain why civilians could be easily influenced by rebels.

“This place looks like a God-forsaken country,” he added.

Gamit said farmers could enjoy assistance if the road was better.

He cited the presence of coconut trees, which he said are unsuited to the area’s elevation. Coffee would have thrived better, he said.

He cited the presence of coconut trees, which he said are unsuited to the area’s elevation. Coffee would have thrived better, he said.

Kriz Cruzado, of Peacebuilder Inc. based in Davao City, could not help but yell each time the vehicle swayed like a boat on rough seas.

“I wish I could have just walked,” she said.

“Indeed, the road to hell is better than this road,” Sultan sa Poonapiagapo Abdul Jabbar Rinibatan said. [More at MindaNews]