Hi-Tone Ranks Among Top 3 Farm-to-Market Road Contractors Nationwide

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Albay, Philippines – Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation, a company with ties to the Co family of Bicol, has emerged as one of the top contractors for farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in the Philippines. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that Hi-Tone, co-founded by Christopher Co, brother of former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co, secured the third-highest value of FMR contracts in 2024, amounting to P221,836,741.54.
 
Gatchalian, citing data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), raised concerns about potential irregularities, pointing to the Bicol Region (Region 5) receiving the most FMR projects nationwide (80) and Hi-Tone's substantial share of those contracts. He noted that the projects cost at least P30,000 per meter.
 
"Obviously, Hi-Tone – this is the construction company connected to Zaldy Co," Gatchalian stated during Senate budget deliberations. "I think it’s not coincidental that the region with the highest number of farm-to-market projects is Region 5 and the third top contractor is connected to Zaldy Co."
 
Adding fuel to the fire, allegations have surfaced regarding a specific FMR project in Alimsog, Sto. Domingo, Albay. Critics are questioning whether the road, intended to benefit farmers, primarily leads to a resort allegedly owned by Christopher Co. This has led to the road being dubbed a "farm-to-resort road" by some locals.
 
The senator's revelations and the "farm-to-resort" allegations have ignited public debate in the Bicol Region, where FMR projects are seen as crucial for agricultural development and economic growth. The focus is now on ensuring transparency and accountability in the awarding and implementation of these projects, to guarantee they truly benefit the farming communities they are intended to serve.
 
Hi-Tone ranks behind GCI Construction and Development Corporation and EGB Construction Corporation among the top FMR contractors. The Senate is expected to further investigate these contracts, potentially scrutinizing the bidding processes and project alignments to ensure public funds are being used appropriately.

|Nel Adtoon, Simpleng Duon, Bicol Net TV
maestroneladtoon@gmail.com

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