Three barangays in Hilongos, Leyte, namely: Barangays Concepcion, Bagumbayan and Hampangan, with a total population of 19,775 persons and 4,252 households are soon to benefit from the farm-to-market road project of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) worth more than P128M.

The Concepcion – Bagumbayan – Hampangan FMR covers a span of 9.5 kilometers rural access road. In the funding scheme, 80% of the project cost is funded by the World Bank while the remaining 20% will come from the local government unit and the Department of Agriculture as part of their counterpart.

In his message, DA-8 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP Regional Project Coordination Office Project Director Atty. Cipriano Santiago said he was happy that this project finally came through and is expected to benefit the farmers, households in the three barangays and the entire municipality.

He also challenged farmer-beneficiaries to explore other feasible commodities, not only in the municipality of Hilongos, but also in other adjacent municipalities given the access made possible through the FMR.

He also encouraged the LGU for the maintenance of the road such as coming up with an ordinance designed to regulate the vehicles passing through.

The program started with the blessing of the site followed by the laying of the time capsule by the PRDP staff, LGU officials, guests, visitors and stakeholders

Also in attendance are National Project Coordination Office Deputy Project Director (DPD) Engr. Cirilo N. Namoc; PSO Visayas DPD Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo; RPCO 8 DPD Dr. Jennylyn Almeria and Brgy. Chairmen Edgar Arañez and Honorio C. Sorita and Engr. Levi Mendros, Jr. (RPCO 8)