Bagac, BATAAN – The P172 million San Antonio-Parang-Saysain Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) is a dream come true to farmers here, where what used to be an idle area has now become a convenient pavement both for conveyance and haulage.

The subproject has achieved 100% on its physical accomplishment, I-BUILD Rural Infrastructure Engineer Romel Tiangco revealed during the two-day final inspection of the subproject held on February 13-14, 2020.

During the final inspection, it was agreed that the connecting barangays of San Antonio, Parang and Saysain will create an ordinance that will control the use of the FMR through the provision of vertical clearance structure, speed limit and capacity signages in the area.

While the Provincial Government of Bataan pledged support for the operations and maintenance of the subproject to preserve and sustain the FMR in the next 20 years.

The 15-kilometer FMR directly benefits 9,751 individuals or 2,403 farming households that is seen to reduce travel time likewise to facilitate local trade and productivity.

Addressing the needs of the farmers, the subproject aims to reduce hauling cost of goods from production area to market by 25% adding more to their income.

Also, the FMR will boost commodities in the area such as sweet potato, rice, corn and coconut.

This well-thought project of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) is seen to benefit not only farm-beneficiaries but the forthcoming generations.

Also present during the final inspection are Project Support Office (PSO) I-BUILD Engineer Shiedel Delicano, Geomapping and Governance Unit (GGU) Officer Engr. Maurice Pineda, Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Officer Prince Roy Cruz, Financial Analyst Kathleen Catacutan and the Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) of Bataan. (Ma. Reina Len Luna, RPCO3 InfoACE)