TACLOBAN CITY — A newly completed farm-to-market road linking two farming villages in San Miguel, Leyte is expected to ease the transport of agricultural goods and lower travel costs for thousands of residents, local officials said.
The 75-meter road connects Barangays Bairan and Guinciaman, areas that have long struggled with poor road conditions, especially during flooding, which often disrupted farmers’ access to markets.
Funded under the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF), the project was designed to address mobility challenges faced by local farmers and improve the overall flow of goods and services in the area.
At least 2,956 farmers are seen to directly benefit from the project, with a total of 5,093 residents expected to gain improved access to transportation and economic opportunities.
According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Leyte Provincial Office, the road is projected to reduce transportation costs by around 20 percent, allowing farmers to bring their produce to market more efficiently and at lower expense.
The DILG provided technical assistance and monitoring throughout the project’s implementation, working closely with the local government of San Miguel to ensure compliance with program standards.
Officials said regular monitoring will continue to ensure the proper use and long-term sustainability of the road, which is seen as a vital infrastructure investment to support agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods in the municipality.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
