Catarman N. Samar-Farmers and residents can now expect improved access and more efficient transport of agricultural products following the completion of Phase IV of the Farm-to-Market Road project from Barangay Polangi toward Barangay Paticua in the municipality of 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 said that before the construction of the road, residents of the said barangays struggled to transport their agricultural products to the town and nearby barangays due to the unpaved road condition.
He added that during rainy seasons, the road often became muddy and difficult for vehicle to pass. Hence, the completion will now significantly improve accessibility in the area, and facilitate the prompt delivery of agricultural products and basic services.
A local couple also 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”.
With the completion of the project, the flow of goods and transport of agricultural products will improve, benefiting a population of 1,487 and contributing to a more efficient and sustainable living for the community.
The project was implemented in convergence with the Department of Agriculture (DA), with a total contract amount of Php 24.77 million. It forms part of the ongoing phased development of the Farm-to-Market Road aimed at strengthening farm-to-market connectivity in the area, with the long-term goal of eventually providing a complete road link to Barangay San Pascual.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)
