SANTA PRAXEDS - The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office of Cagayan (DARPO-Cagayan) held a groundbreaking ceremony on February 18, 2025 for a new farm-to-market road (FMR) in Barangay San Juan, Santa Praxedes, Cagayan. This initiative aims to enhance the transportation of agricultural products, thereby boosting the local economy and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
The project involves the
construction of an almost one-kilometer concrete road that will eventually connect the
farming communities of San Juan to the main highway. The FMR, which was funded with an allocation
of ₱15 million from the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF), is expected to be
completed by June 2025. Once operational, it will significantly
reduce farmers' travel time and transportation costs, facilitate easier
access to larger markets, and minimize post-harvest losses.
DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform
Program Officer II Val M. Cristobal emphasized that the FMR aims to empower
ARBs towards increased productivity and income which will eventually spur
economic growth in the community.
Local farmers have expressed
optimism about the project's potential impact. With this new road, harvests can
be transported more efficiently, ensuring that fresher produce reaches the
market. This development will undoubtedly improve the income and quality of
life of ARBs in the community.
The collaboration between DAR and
the local government of Santa Praxedes highlights a shared commitment to rural
development. Investing in infrastructure projects like this FMR is crucial for
the sustainable development of the community. It not only benefits the farmers
but also stimulates local commerce and attracts potential investors.
This initiative aligns with DAR's
broader mission to support agrarian reform communities (ARCs) by providing
essential infrastructure that fosters economic resilience and food security.
Similar projects have been implemented nationwide, such as the recent completion of
farm-to-market roads in Abulug, Cagayan, which have significantly enhanced
local trade and agricultural productivity. As the construction of the San Juan
FMR progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the positive changes it will
bring.
Farm-to-market roads (FMRs) are a regular program of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as part of their rural development initiatives. These roads are crucial for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) as they improve access to markets, reduce transportation costs, and enhance agricultural productivity.
DAR implements FMR projects in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Local Government Unit/s (LGU) to ensure better road connectivity in agrarian reform communities (ARCs). These projects are often funded through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) or foreign-assisted programs. FMRs are part of DAR’s commitment to sustainable rural development by providing better infrastructure that supports farmers in remote and underserved areas.
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| Meeting about FMRs by PARPO II Val M. Cristobal with Mayor Esterlina A. Aguinaldo and MARPO Santiago Mabborang |
