Two significant farm-to-market road (FMR) projects totaling P150 million have been finished and turned over to the Albay municipalities of Guinobatan and Camalig by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
Funding for the P50 million road project in Polangui and the P100 million road project in Guinobatan came from the Agrarian Reform Fund for 2022 and 2023.
While the 1.97-kilometer road in Polangui goes through the barangays of Itaran, Sitio San Luis, and Lourdes, the 2.293-kilometer route in Guinobatan covers the barangays of Malabnig, Mapaco, and Mauraro.
Who will benefit
In addition to giving locals better travel comfort, the newly built roads will enable farmers to move their goods more quickly and effectively.
Maria Eugenia Alteza, the provincial agrarian reform program officer for Albay, stated that 390 households, 15,097 individuals, and 1,042 ARBs are anticipated to benefit from the FMRs.
Completing these FMRs was viewed as a crucial step in improving the local agricultural communities' economic well-being and expanding their access to larger markets.
Enhancing cultural productivity
By increasing market accessibility, lowering transportation costs, and eliminating post-harvest losses, farm-to-market roads (FMRs) are essential for boosting agricultural output and economic growth in rural areas.
They facilitate the transportation of produce, raise revenues, and expand economic prospects, all of which directly benefit farmers, fishermen, and consumers.
