Abra: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has inaugurated and turned over the PHP63.8 million Sallapadan Barrio-Ud-udiao farm-to-market road (FMR), which is expected to improve farm access and strengthen livelihoods in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Mercedes Borongan, DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, along with the local government unit (LGU) of Sallapadan under Mayor Fernando Semanero Jr., led the inauguration of the 1.85-kilometer concrete FMR. The road is equipped with a box culvert and slope protection structures, which will aid farmers, particularly the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), in transporting their produce more efficiently and safely, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing connectivity between remote farming areas and market centers.
Borongan highlighted the project's importance in empowering ARBs by providing essential infrastructure closer to their communities. 'This farm-to-market road opens doors to better opportunities for our ARBs. By improving access to markets and services, we help farmers increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve their quality of life,' Borongan stated in a news release.
Mayor Semanero pointed out that the road will deliver long-term benefits to Sallapadan's farming communities by supporting local trade and economic activities. 'This project makes it easier and safer for our farmers to bring their harvests to the market. It strengthens connections among barangays and contributes to the overall growth of our local economy,' he said.
The project benefits 1,072 agrarian reform beneficiaries, including members of the Sallapadan Barrio Agriculture Cooperative and the UDNAMA Agriculture Credit Cooperative. A cooperative officer representing the ARBs expressed appreciation for the project, noting its immediate impact on daily farm operations. 'Transporting our harvest used to be difficult and expensive, especially during the rainy season. With this new road, our produce reaches the market faster and in better condition. This is a big help to our cooperative and our families,' the officer commented.
The completion of the Sallapadan Barrio-Ud-udiao FMR signifies the government's ongoing commitment to agricultural modernization and inclusive countryside development, ensuring that progress reaches even the most remote farming communities. DAR-Abra also expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III for their continued support in delivering vital infrastructure and services that uplift ARBs and strengthen rural communities.
