Manila: Close to 2 million agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and rural residents are expected to benefit from the PHP28.243-billion bridge-building initiative approved by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III announced in a news release that the French-funded 'Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka (PBBM) Bridges' project will soon be rolled out following its approval this year.

The program aims to construct at least 350 steel bridges nationwide, linking agrarian reform communities to towns, markets, schools, and health centers. This initiative is designed to ease the transport of farm produce while improving access to essential services.

At least 350,500 households, or an estimated 1.75 million individuals from surrounding communities, are projected to directly benefit from the project. Estrella indicated that the project, expected to be completed on or before June 2028, has the full support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. It will be implemented in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units (LGUs).

The project is seen as a means to provide more support services to ARBs, enhancing their livelihood and contributing to the country's food security.