TACLOBAN CITY — Farmers in Eastern Visayas are expected to benefit from improved access to markets and more efficient transport of agricultural produce as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) coordinate the implementation of additional farm-to-market road (FMR) projects this year.
The two agencies formalized their commitments through the signing of memoranda of agreement on Oct. 2 at Madison Park Hotel in Tacloban City, attended by representatives of DPWH Regional Office 8, represented by assistant regional director Maya Junia its district engineering offices and DA regional office, represented by its regional head, Rodel Macapañas.
The agreements establish the responsibilities of both agencies and provide a framework for addressing concerns that may arise during project implementation, with the goal of ensuring the timely and proper delivery of the road projects.
The additional FMRs are expected to improve road access to farming communities, facilitate the movement of agricultural products and strengthen connections between farmers and trading centers.
Farm-to-market roads are vital to rural agricultural development, particularly in communities where poor road access can increase transportation expenses, delay the delivery of perishable goods and limit farmers’ opportunities to reach buyers.
Improved road connectivity can help reduce logistical challenges for farmers while supporting the movement of agricultural commodities from production areas to markets.
The initiative is aligned with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen agricultural productivity and improve market access through infrastructure development.
Under the leadership of Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon, the DPWH said it remains committed to the proper, timely and quality implementation of infrastructure projects intended to benefit the public.
The strengthened partnership between the DPWH and DA is expected to help ensure that the additional road projects address the needs of farming communities and contribute to the long-term development of the agricultural sector in Eastern Visayas.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
