TACLOBAN CITY – Farmers from the villages of Catalyan and Bagacay West in La Paz, Leyte, are now enjoying improved access to markets and towns, thanks to a newly constructed farm-to-market road that is enhancing their productivity and income.
The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), completed the construction of the 578-linear-meter road project with a lined canal for better drainage.
The road project aims to connect rural farming areas to commercial hubs, making it faster and more affordable for farmers to transport their produce while reducing post-harvest losses.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura highlighted the significance of the infrastructure, stating, “Farmers can now transport their agricultural products in a timely manner, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing income opportunities through the improved road network.”
Local residents also benefited from the project through job opportunities during its construction phase.
Cristy Natividad, one of the local workers hired for the project, shared how the initiative changed her family’s financial situation.
“This project brought a significant change. Before, we relied solely on monthly income from copra production. Now, we receive daily wages and earn P3,000 weekly. We can now pay for our motorcycle’s amortization and provide for our children. The road project has been a big help in improving our livelihood,” she said.
The P14.8-million road project, funded under the DPWH 2024 General Appropriations Act, was completed on October 4, 2024.
Farmers and residents alike continue to express their gratitude for the infrastructure, which has not only improved their access to markets but also opened more opportunities for economic growth in the area.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
