Catarman N. Samar-To provide better access to the local populace and improve agricultural transport, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office is currently undertaking the construction of Phase IV of the Farm-to-Market Road connecting Barangays Polangi to Paticua in Catarman Northern Samar.
The project involves the construction of a two-lane concrete road with a total length of 780 meters, thickness of 0.23-meter, and a width of 3.05 meters. The scope of work also includes excavation, construction of 789 meters road shoulders, trapezoidal lined canal, concrete revetment and provision of 26 meters reinforced concrete pipe culvert RCPC.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio revealed that the ongoing Farm-to-Market Road is an answered prayer for local farmers in the area as they need not endure difficulty in walking in a muddy road specially during rainy season just to access services and deliver their farm produce to the market centers.
“Witnessing a habal-habal driver struggle to transport copra on a muddy, uneven road deeply motivated us to push harder toward completing the project on time. It was a clear reminder of how urgently the community needed this road. Every day of delay meant continued hardship for farmers and transport workers who rely on this route to move their produce.” DE Ignacio added.
During an interview, a couple shared how challenging it was to traverse that stretch, especially during rainy season.
“Dako an amon pagpasalamat san gin-upay na an sigad dihan kay maupay na am paglakaw,sadto kakuri labi na gud in mauran, nahadok pa kami kay baha pirme dihan” said Mrs. Constancia Loberiano.
Meanwhile, Mr.Perperencio Loberiano added “Dako an amon pasalamat nga umabot gihapon didi an project san gobyerno,am pangarap nga sigad didi isa amon Barangay, kay makuri an amon transportasyon san amon mga produkto”.
Once completed, the road will significantly improve accessibility in the area, and facilitate the prompt delivery of agricultural products.
The said project is implemented in convergence with the Department of Agriculture (DA) with a total contract amount of Php 24.77-million.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA /PR)
