Completed Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Oriental Mindoro continue to benefit farmers and residents in the Municipalities of Baco and Victoria, as reflected in the results of the Operations and Maintenance Audit System (OMAS) conducted in the province from October 19-20, 2021.

The Rehabilitation/Upgrading of Dulangan I – Dulangan II FMR subproject was completed on November 10, 2016. With a length of 5.31 kilometers and a total subproject cost of PhP52.2 million the FMR has provided a safe and convenient access road for 2,115 households in its Road Influence Area (RIA).

Likewise, the Concreting of Bagong Silang – Macatoc FMR improved the delivery of essential goods for its 1,570 household beneficiaries since its completion on September 29, 2016. The FMR runs the length of 2.79 kilometers, with a total project cost of PhP24.1 million.

When asked about how the Barangay Dulangan I and II FMRs affected their daily lives, resident Rosayda Lagradao expressed that tourists have begun to pass by their community, while also noting the significant reduction in travel time.

“Aba malaki ang pakinabang namin dyan gawa ng ang mga nagliliguan sa resort ay dumami mula noong gumanda ang daan. Madami rin mga prutas sa mga Mangyanan, lanzones, rambutan, saging, any kind of fruits. Bago magkaron ng kalsada, pahirapan mailabas sa tricycle yung mga kalakal. Dati inaabot nang isang oras hanggang bayan, ngayon kalahating oras na lang,” Lagrado said.

Barangay Bagong Silang Captain Milo Mangurali also expressed how the FMR was able to expand their selection of commodities.

“Calamansi, niyog, lanzones, tsaka calamansi processing yung nadagdag naming commodity. ‘Yung mga taga-rito, namumuti tapos dinadala sa processing sa Bethel. Karamihan ng mga naluwas dito ay van, di katulad dati noon na puro jeep,” Barangay Mangurali stated.

Also included in the subprojects audited were the Oriental Mindoro Calamansi Trading Center in Calapan, and the Oriental Mindoro Calamansi Processing and Marketing in the Municipality of Pinamalayan. The audited subprojects were conducted by the DA-PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) MIMAROPA, DA MIMAROPA Regional Operations and Maintenance Audit Team (ROMAT), and Oriental Mindoro’s Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit (PPMIU).

OMAS is conducted semi-annually for ten years, starting from the sixth month after the project is turned over to the recipient. Recommendations from the audit shall serve as a guide for the LGU to maintain the subproject properly. In addition, results of the audit shall determine the extent of additional funding and support for future subprojects.  (Danica A. Brutas, DA-PRDP MIMAROPA RPCO InfoACE Unit)

The Dulangan I and Dulangan II FMR provides quick and easy access for the Mangyans to bring their commodities to the city proper. (Photo by Danica A. Brutas, DA-PRDP MIMAROPA RPCO InfoACE Unit)

DA MIMAROPA’s Regional Operations and Maintenance Audit Team (ROMAT) inspect budget documents of Barangay Bagong Silang in relation to the conduct of OMAS for the Bagong Silang – Macatoc Farm to Market Road. (Photo by Danica A. Brutas, DA-PRDP MIMAROPA RPCO InfoACE Unit)

DA-PRDP RPCO MIMAROPA Deputy Project Director Engr. Annielyn Del Rosario speaks to Barangay Bagong Silang Captain Milo Mangurali regarding the maintenance of the Bagong Silang – Macatoc Farm to Market Road. (Photo by Danica A. Brutas, DA-PRDP MIMAROPA RPCO InfoACE Unit)