Residents of Barangays Maruyugon, Lucbuan, and Buenavista in Puerto Princesa (PPC), Palawan can now rejoice in having a concrete road in the area, as the Maruyugon to Buenavista Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) is now complete.

The new road, which was completed on December 6, 2020, is the third FMR-type intervention that is currently being implemented by the City Government of Puerto Princesa, through the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP). 

With an estimated cost of PhP118 million, the said FMR has a length of 6.5 kilometers with a road influence area comprising the above-mentioned barangays.

The completed FMR aims to improve and provide a safe, convenient, and cost-effective road, reduce travel time by 30 minutes; transportation cost and input hauling cost by 90 percent, expand the production area of cashew by 195 has, and most importantly, to increase farmers’ income. 

Recipients of the FMR expressed their gratitude for the subproject, as it brought favorable changes in their lives.

One of the recipients conveyed that ever since the road was constructed, work has been more convenient.  Through the FMR, it is now easier for them to move around and transport their agricultural products from one point to another, as more vehicles can now traverse to their areas.

“We are very thankful that a road project has been opened for us. We will give all our support to do what needs to be done for the proper implementation and success of this farm-to-market road,” said Barangay Buenavista Chairperson Juanito Capin in an interview.

The road situation before was very difficult for everyone to travel through. The areas were served by not all-weather roads and barely passable, which resulted in increased logistical costs. It was also difficult for the farmers to improve the varieties of their planting materials, having limited access to appropriate farming technologies due to the absence of a concrete road.

Realizing the benefits and importance of PRDP, the local government unit of Puerto Princesa, continuously partners with the Project to enhance the farm and fishery productivity in the city and the province as a whole. The City Agriculture Office will remain to work hand in hand with the PRDP for the success of their subprojects. # (Lea Caliuag, DA-PRDP PSO South Luzon InfoACE Unit)