The improvement and concreting of the Brgy. Burak – Mabuhay – Bantayan – Kalaw Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) is a significant rural infrastructure developed within the province of Oras, Eastern Samar.

The improvement and concreting of the Brgy. Burak – Mabuhay – Bantayan – Kalaw Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) is a significant rural infrastructure developed within the province of Oras, Eastern Samar.
On March 25, 2025, the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), in full coordination with the Provincial Local Government of Eastern Samar, conducted a turnover ceremony, in Brgy. Kalaw, Oras, Eastern Samar. This monumental activity marks a milestone in rural development for the municipality.

With agriculture being the primary source of income within the community, the area hosts various agricultural commodities — rice, corn, abaca, root crops, vegetables, banana, and coconut. With the majority of agricultural produce being rice and coconut, holding a staggering share of 34.6% and 53.07% respectively.

The project will benefit four (4) Barangays— Burak, Mabuhay, Bantayan, and Kalaw, and will span approximately 5.4 kilometers in length with a width of 5 meters and 0.2 meters thick. This subproject will cover an estimated total Road Influence Area (RIA) of 2,419 hectares- encompassing an existing agricultural area of 993 hectares. With the project’s accomplishment, an additional 699 hectares of agricultural land is projected for expansion.

Additionally, the FMR is projected to lower hauling costs from Php 135.00 to Php 63.75 — an enormous 52.8% reduction. Furthermore, the FMR is also projected to cut travel time between barangays from 43.85 minutes to 7.06 minutes — accelerating travel time by over 600%. With the significant increase of the quality of life within the FMR’s influence —the increased foot traffic on the subproject’s RIA further incentivizes economic activities and encourages the development of small livelihoods within the beneficiaries.

PRDP also emphasized the importance in maintaining such facilities. These conveniences are afforded through the hard work of multiple parties, and such the best way to show appreciation is through the proper maintenance of the FMR — no matter how sturdy or excellent a structure is, without proper care and attention it is sure to wither away in no time. As the FMR cuts into remote locations, various vegetation is sure to creep-up and develop on the road’s surface. With this in mind, PRDP in addition to the celebration of the FMR’s turn-over, also awarded multiple equipment meant for maintaining the upkeep of the project’s to the municipal beneficiaries. The machineries and tools awarded include: (12) shovels, (4) wheelbarrows, (4) brush cutter, and (8 ) rakes.

“Amon ikinalilipay ha PRDP na maipresentar ha iyo ine na FMR kaupod ine na mga gamit na sugad grasscutter han iba pa. Amon na ikin hahangyo na pag paupayon naton ine na mga ikinn turn-over, kay para mas damo han mas maiha pa kita pakatagamtam hine.” Director Sultan stated on his message to the beneficiaries during the turn-over ceremony held.

[We (here) at the PRDP are truly delighted to present to you the (turnover of this) FMR, together with various tools such as grasscutters, etc. We only ask (of you) that hopefully we continue to take care of the project after it’s turn-over, so that more people may be able to benefit from it]

The newfound increase in accessibility will create employment opportunities in transportation, trade, and agribusiness, contributing to poverty reduction in the community. The project includes various technical enhancements, such as road concreting, slope protection structures, and drainage improvements to prevent flooding and road deterioration. Upgrades to critical sections will ensure long-term durability, while locally sourced materials will keep costs manageable and support the regional economy.

These improvements will provide a safer and more resilient transport network, benefiting farmers, traders, and residents alike.
The Brgy. Burak – Mabuhay – Bantayan – Kalaw FMR project represents a transformative step for rural development in Eastern Samar. By facilitating better access to markets, reducing transportation challenges, and fostering economic opportunities, the project will significantly improve the quality of life for residents.(Lorrenz Renomeron, RPCO 8, Writer)