Macabebe, PAMPANGA – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) continues to pursue the construction of the San Jose – Castuli Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) to expand road network options for residents and fisherfolks here and in nearby barangays.

The FMR project, which cost P47 million and has been under construction since 2019, experienced quite several struggles in the construction brought by COVID-19.

Despite the pandemic, the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO 3) has intensified awareness of health risks that can arise from every day working on-site. The required use of facemask, face shield and wearing of prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) while following social distancing has helped prevent the spread of the virus among infra workers.

On April 27, 2021, technical staff from RPCO 3 and the Project Support Office (PSO) conducted a joint inspection of the 2.68-kilometer road to ensure that construction remains a priority and demand the urgency to fast-track the project before the onset of the rainy season in June.

According to I-BUILD Rural Infrastructure Engineer Jun Clinton Gonzales, regardless of the delays, the construction of the road here is largely on track to fall within the target deadline.

Engr. Gonzales continued, ‘aside from the dilapidated pavement that weighs heavily on the fishers and farmers quality of life here, impassable roads caused by flash floods and high tides have reflected poor transport and mobility in some areas that unfortunately hindered the delivery of construction materials, too.

However, he pointed out that the rehabilitation and concreting of this road will surely be a relief for residents, motorists and fisherfolk here as a guarantee of a more comfortable and speedy travel time.

Also, the Municipal Local Government of Macabebe with the support of Municipal Agriculturist Jenny Trinidad and the contractor have shown stronger joint efforts to fast track the completion of the subproject.

Currently, the subproject has attained 56.52% in its physical accomplishment and is slated to be completed by September of the year.

Present during the joint inspection are RPCO 3 Geomapping and Governance GIS Data Officer Alvin Mariano, RPCO 3 Social Environmental and Safeguards Associate Prince Roy Cruz and PSO I-BUILD Engineer Sheidel Delicano. (MA. REINA LEN G. LUNA, RPCO3 InfoACE)