Motiong: The construction of the PHP201.1-million farm-to-market road (FMR) has commenced in Motiong, Samar, as part of the World Bank-funded Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office announced that a groundbreaking ceremony for the Maypange-Inalad-Angyap FMR took place on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project covers a 10.62 km roadway spanning 11 villages and is anticipated to transform the local economy by directly connecting the farming communities of Maypange, Inalad, Angyap, Cadnumacol, Mararangsi, Caranuan, Tinopanban, Bong, Pamaran-an, Calautnan, and Calantawan. The DA regional office noted in a statement that the road will enhance regional growth and improve the welfare of farming communities by facilitating better transport and market access.

The initiative covers nearly 2,784 hectares, benefiting a population of 4,046, including 2,708 direct beneficiaries and 1,338 indirect beneficiaries. Among these are 861 farming households and over 2,200 farmers who are expected to experience improved incomes and increased opportunities. The existing agricultural areas support a variety of crops, including rice, coconut, corn, banana, sweet potato, eggplant, and abaca.

Funding for the project is structured with 80 percent financed through World Bank loan proceeds, while the national and local government units will provide the remaining 20 percent. The PRDP is a six-year nationwide DA project aimed at modernizing the fisheries and agriculture sectors. It involves a total investment of PHP27.5 billion, funded by a World Bank loan worth PHP20.56 billion and PHP7 billion in counterpart funds from the central and local governments.