Ilocos norte: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 1 (Ilocos Region) has officially handed over nine farm-to-market roads aimed at enhancing economic growth in rural farming villages within Ilocos Norte. These roads, valued at PHP140 million, span a total of 11.028 kilometers and serve several barangays including Nagsurot in Burgos, Carusikis in Pasuquin, Francisco and Baresbes in Dingras, and Camanga, Nagrebcan, and Balbaldez in Badoc.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the ceremonial turnover, Rommel Aquino, the chief agrarian reform program officer, emphasized the significance of these infrastructure projects. He highlighted that the construction and improvement of these roads are intended to boost accessibility for remote farming areas. This development is expected to facilitate the efficient transport of agricultural products to markets, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers' income.
Aquino further stated that the success of the farm-to-market roads would be evaluated based on several factors. These include reduced transportation costs, increased market access for farmers, and improved overall farm productivity benefiting 9,834 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and 6,910 non-ARBs in the province.
The initiative is part of a broader plan under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which aims to construct a total of 131,410.66 kilometers of farm-to-market roads over a six-year period.
