A farm-to-market road (FMR) subproject of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in Sampaloc, Quezon underwent inspection and auditing by the DA Regional Field Office – CALABARZON Operations and Maintenance Audit Team (ROMAT). The activity was conducted to check if the Sampaloc local government unit is actively maintaining the operations and integrity of the FMR to ensure that the benefits it brings to the surrounding rural communities will be sustained and further improved.

The ROMAT inspected the 10.38-kilometer FMR, which traverses barangays Mamala, Taquico, and Caldong with approximately 94 households. They checked the following aspects of the road: functionality, general condition, roadway, drainage system, slope protection structures, signages, and social and institutional status.

Based on their evaluation, the FMR is functional and has no significant damages. Signages were also sufficient and visible to warn drivers about hazardous areas. Meanwhile, residents, especially farmers, were happy to share the benefits they get from the road. Apart from convenience, the road also paved the way for them to access basic services and necessities such as electricity connection, and opportunities such as new customers for their produce, higher price of land, jobs, etc.

“Napakalaking kaginhawaan nitong kalsada sa amin hindi lamang sa aming pagtatanim, paghahakot, at pagbiyahe ng aming mga ani, pero sa kalidad na rin ng aming pamumuhay. Nagkaroon kami ng sariling linya ng kuryente, mas nakakabisita ang aming mga mahal sa buhay, mabilis kaming nakakabili ng aming mga pangangailangan, at mabilis din kaming nakakakilos kapag may mga emergency,” Lenlen Conde, a farmer from Brgy. Caldong, shared.

To ensure that the residents will keep reaping these benefits from the FMR for longer, the ROMAT provided recommendations to the Sampaloc LGU on further improving the road and maintaining its structural integrity. The Sampaloc LGU obliged and mentioned that they have already initiated efforts to enhance and maximize the FMR.

The Mamala-Taquico-Caldong FMR subproject was completed in 2020 with funds of PhP159.41 million from the DA-PRDP, the national government, and the Sampaloc LGU. It aims to develop the production and marketing of virgin coconut oil and improve the lives of farmers in the locality by reducing hauling costs from PhP150.00 to PhP25.00 per sack, lessening wastage and spoilage of farm products, and encouraging the utilization of land for agricultural and economic activities.