by Ram Bill G. Bautista, RPCO3 InfoACE

The proposed Php110-million improvement of the Gabihan-Basuit-Sapang Putik farm-to-market road (FMR) in San Ildefonso, Bulacan has received the green light from the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Central Luzon Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB). The approval was granted during the deliberation meeting held on May 6, 2025 in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

The five-kilometer FMR subproject’s funding will adopt a 60-10-30 percent cost-sharing scheme from the World Bank loan proceeds through the DA-PRDP Scale-Up, the national government through the DA, and the Bulacan provincial government, respectively.

This subproject was prioritized using the parameters of the Expanded Vulnerability and Suitability Assessment (E-VSA) for Ampalaya, one of the province’s priority commodities under the project. Based on the poverty incidence, production volume, production area, and number of farmers, San Ildefonso was identified to be the most suitable municipality to implement the said subproject.

The total road influence area (RIA) of the FMR is estimated at 638 hectares of agricultural land. Aside from ampalaya, the RIA also covers agricultural lands planted with rice and mangoes. The upgraded FMR is also expected to benefit nearly 2,800 households including 782 engaged in farming activities.

The current road condition, being mostly gravel and dilapidated concrete, makes it difficult for the residents’ everyday travel. Furthermore, the poor road condition results in transport losses in the farmers’ produce and high hauling costs.

The FMR’s rehabilitation is expected to reduce the travel time by 25 percent or from 38 minutes to 28, from the farthest barangay, Sapang Putik, to the town center. This would also lessen the transport losses and hauling cost of agricultural products, increasing the farmers’ profit and savings.

The RPAB, led by Chairperson Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit, DA-PRDP Regional Project Director, consists of representatives from the regional offices of relevant national government agencies in Central Luzon. The board signed a resolution approving and endorsing the subproject to the DA-PRDP National Project Coordination Office, marking a significant step forward in enhancing rural livelihoods in Bulacan.

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