For years, access to needs, services, and opportunities was the major dilemma of the residents of barangays Mamala, Taquico, and Caldong in Sampaloc, Quezon. To access these, which are mostly available in town, they had to walk on dirt or mud for three to four hours because of the absence of a concrete road in their area. As if traveling isn’t hard enough, they must also make a living to be able to afford these things for their families.

Coconut farming is among the most common sources of income in Brgy. Mamala, Taquico, and Caldong and the only livelihood some residents know of. Given the lack of other economic opportunities in their area, some farmers had no choice but to rely on their coconut plantations to continue sustaining their families. However, no matter how hard they work from production to marketing, their efforts are not paying off because of the lack of easy access to farms and market areas. 

“Dahil po sa hirap at laki ng gastos sa pagbiyahe, malaki po ang nawawala sa mga magsasaka, kaya naman po ang ilan ay iniwan na ang pagtatanim at binenta na lamang ang kanilang lupa. ‘Yung iba naman po, pang personal na pagkain na lamang ang tinatanim. Kung wala na talagang makain, kung ano na lang makuha sa gubat ang kakainin,” Avelino Paleracio, a barangay kagawad and farmer from Brgy. Caldong, shared.

In response to these, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) implemented the Mamala-Taquico-Caldong farm-to-market road (FMR) subproject completed in 2020. The 10.4-kilometer FMR aimed to benefit a total of 94 households in the covered barangays and to further develop the local industry of virgin coconut oil, a priority commodity in Sampaloc, Quezon. The project had a total cost of PhP159.41 million.

With the road making way for the use of vehicles, farmers can now manage their farms more efficiently helping them to maximize their land for profit and to prevent production losses. Apart from coconut, farmers are now cultivating ginger, lettuce, squash, and string beans. They have also improved the maintenance of their soil and crops since they can now easily access agricultural inputs, machineries, and assistance from the Sampaloc Municipal Agriculture Office.

“Mas marami na pong farmer ang naiisali namin sa mga programa at mga assistance naming LGU dahil madali na silang puntahan at makamusta tungkol sa kanilang mga tanim,” Ronald Aliola, a staff from the Sampaloc Local Government Unit, shared.

Another major benefit brought by the road to farmers is the cheaper and improved hauling of products. Back then, farmers had to have their harvests carried by people or animals to the market which would cost them PhP3.75 per kilo. Now, through tricycles and jeepneys, farmers only pay PhP1.25 per kilo. Some farmers do not even spend anything or haul their products anymore because buyers can bring their trucks directly to the farms to pick up the products. 

Now that the roadway is smoother, farmers also no longer lose a lot of products from damages incurred from hauling. Products also remain fresh since they can be brought to the market at approximately 30 minutes from Brgy. Caldong unlike before when it would take three to four hours. Because of these, farmers can sell more products, sell them at a higher price, and earn a higher income.

“Ngayon po, masasabi po naming mas maginhawa at masagana na ang aming pamumuhay dahil bukod sa mga pangangailangan, nabibili na rin namin ang gusto ng mga bata. Nakakapag-ayos na rin po kami ng bahay at ng mga gamit namin,” Eleanor Briola, a vegetable farmer from Brgy. Caldong, shared.

Apart from farming, other socio-economic benefits emerged after the construction of the road, which resulted in a higher quality of life and productivity for the residents. Access to healthcare and education improved for children, women, and the elderly since health workers and teachers can visit the areas quickly and easily. Residents also gained access to electricity since electric posts were constructed along the road. Emergency response has also improved in the communities.

“Napakalaking bagay ng kalsada para sa aming barangay dahil mas nakakamusta at nakakausap na namin ang aming mga nasasakupan. Madali kaming nakakarespunde sa krimen at emergency. Mas nagkakatulungan na rin kami ng munisipyo sa kanilang mga programa sa aming komunidad,” Avelino Paleracio shared.

Economic development is also imminent in the area with the emergence of businesses big and small such as food vending, cafes, campsites, big farms, etc., which paved the way for a variety of job opportunities. Most of the residents work as laborers in the bigger farms in the areas. Moreover, the price of land also skyrocketed from PhP20,000 per hectare to PhP1,000,000.00 at most.

“Sana po ay magtuloy-tuloy pa itong development na nangyayari sa aming komunidad. Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa nagdala ng kalsadang ito. Dahil sa pag-abot ninyo ng tulong sa aming komunidad, abot-kamay na namin ang pag-unlad,” Danilo Anareta, farmer from Brgy. Taquico, shared.

With the monumental benefits and economic opportunities brought by the Mamala-Taquico-Caldong FMR, the Sampaloc LGU vows to sustain the operations of the FMR by developing its operations and maintenance plan and allocating appropriate budget for related endeavors. Through their efforts and continuous partnership with the DA-PRDP, they hope to further unleash the potential of these barangays and more rural areas in the municipality for development.

Before the road, travel from Brgy. Caldong to the Sampaloc town proper takes 3-4 hours by foot. Travelling gets extra difficult especially during the rainy season because the pathways get extremely muddy.

Before the road was constructed, farmers haul their products to the market by foot or through carabaos and horses. They spend Php 3.75 per kilo to haul their products.

Now that vehicles can easily pass through their community, farmers mainly haul their products through tricycles and jeepneys. Since travel is faster and smoother, they spend less in hauling costs at only Php 1.25 per kilo.

Jeepneys, motorcycles, cars, trucks, etc. passing through the communities increased after the construction of the road. Travel to the town proper was reduced to 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Easier access to the market increased the enthusiasm of farmers and even businessowners to ramp up their agricultural activities in the community. This led to the increase in farm areas and job opportunities in the covered barangays.

Residents are also enjoying other socio-economic benefits from the road such as easier access to education, healthcare, and other needs.