DAR okays P200-M funds for city’s farm-to-market road projects

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Sec. Conrado Estrella III has approved the city’s request for P200 million that will fund the development of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in seven sites in the Summer Capital. 

This was revealed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who made the request, during the regular management committee meeting of local officials, Sept. 20, at City Hall.

He said the request for funding assistance stemmed from dialogues with local farmers and agriculture sector stakeholders spearheaded by the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) where the need for FMRs development projects was raised.

“These farm-to-market roads will allow our farmers to transport their farming inputs and produce to traders and consumers with relative ease,” the Mayor stressed.

He said the dialogues are in line with the city’s pursuit of good governance by promoting participatory governance and democratic involvement of all stakeholders including farmers and fisherfolk.

CVAO head Dr. Silardo Bested disclosed that the seven FMR sites include Sto. Tomas Central to Western Link Circumferential Road at Sto. Tomas Central and Proper; Sitio Mangitit, Camp 7; Balenben Road at Purok 12 between CSWDO-SDC, Irisan; Balenben Purok 2, Irisan; Aurelio Street, Dontogan; Pine Tree Alley, Asin Road; Sto. Tomas Central to Adiwang Road, Dontogan.
Bested said the sites were validated by his office and the City Engineering Office under Engr. Edgar Victorio Olpindo and that the FMR projects are targeted to be completed in 2023. – Gaby B. Keith