THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the completion of the rehabilitation of two farm-to-market (FMR) roads in the province of Bataan.
The conversion of the two FMRs–one in the town of Samal and the other in the city of Balanga–into fully concrete pathways was done in order to enhance agricultural productivity and rural connectivity of the province.
The five-meter FMR paved in Samal is a 1,003.02-meter stretch in sitio Lakbangan, barangay Imelda and was funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) with a total of P12.16 million.
DPWH Bataan 1st District Engineer Erlindo Flores Jr. said this development is more than just a road but a vital lifeline for local farmers whose livelihoods depend on the efficient transportation of their produce. Previously, farmers faced mobility challenges, especially during harsh weather conditions when the unpaved road became impassable.
With the completion of the project, farmers now experience smoother travel conditions, enhancing their capacity to trade and access markets efficiently, Flores said.
On the other hand, the concrete paving of a 710-meter section of the five-meter wide and two-lane road FMR in Balanga City, located in sitio Bani, barangay Cataning, had a P14.9-million budget and was funded by the DA in the 2023 national budget, according to DPWH Bataan 2nd District Engineer Ulysses Llado.
Llado emphasized that the completion of these projects demonstrates the agency’s dedication to addressing the critical need for reliable public structures in rural areas. The impact of these projects extends beyond agriculture, as the roads now provide improved access to essential services and facilities for over 600 households in barangay Imelda.