CATARMAN, N. Samar– To ensure better agricultural connectivity and transport, the DPWH of Northern Samar First District Engineering Office has completed the construction of a Farm-to-Market Road in Barangay E. Duran, Bobon, Northern Samar.
The FMR project, amounting to P4.96 million, involves the construction of 200 meters of Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP),) which includes embankment from roadway excavation (1,759.66 cu.m) and slope protection structures on concrete revetment of 34 meters on the left side and 25 meters on the right side.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio emphasized that the newly paved road now enhances the efficiency of transporting produce to markets specially that the local communities are mostly engaged in agricultural productivity such as coconut, rice crops and vegetable farming, as their source of livelihood.
For residents like Eugene, the road has already begun to make a difference. “Noong wala pa itong kalsada, mahirap kasi mayroon din doon nagsasaka ng niyog, mahirap magdala dito ng produkto papunta dito sa barangay. Di kagaya ngayon abot na doon at madali na ang pagdala dito nga mga produkto ng mga residente,” he shared.
Another local resident expressed gratitude, emphasizing the project’s impact on transporting their produce. “Mahirap noon ang aming kalagayan, dahil kunti lang ang aming kayang dalhin kasi malayo. Dahil ang pagdala dito ng mga kopras magbabayad ka bawat kilo, gaya din ng kamoteng kahoy Php100 ang bawat sako, kamote. Pwede ka magdala sa may kalsada, ikarga mo dito sa scooter. Napakalaking naitulong ito ngayong kalsada dito dahil madali na ang pagbyahe ng aming mga produkto. Napakalaking pasasalamat naming madali nang bumiyahe papunta sa aming mga baryo.” Angelita Sevellano stated.
This project is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), aiming to provide better connectivity between production areas and markets, enhancing the efficiency of transporting agricultural products.
Strategically planned for long-term development, it will eventually connect to the San Isidro-Lope De Vega Road, further expanding economic opportunities, fostering rural development, and improving the overall quality of life for communities in the area.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)
