Manila: A PHP40-million farm-to-market road in Barangay Nagsurot, Burgos, Ilocos Norte is now serving its purpose of stimulating economic growth in rural farming communities. Residents composed of 409 direct agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and 310 indirect ARBs stand to benefit from the 2,230-kilometer completed road, which is expected to significantly improve the transport of agricultural products, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance livelihood.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jesus Rodel Pasion, head of the Small Water Irrigation System Association Inc., expressed gratitude towards the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for their ongoing support through local and national projects like the farm-to-market road. Pasion, a beneficiary of DAR’s Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project, noted that ownership of his land has increased productivity among ARBs, thanks to governmental assistance.
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Ilocos Norte 1st District Engineering Office commenced the road’s construction on February 8, 2023, using funds from DAR’s Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities project. During the road’s ceremonial turnover on September 13, chief agrarian reform program officer Rommel Aquino highlighted the project’s role in transforming land ownership into tangible progress.
Aquino emphasized that improved market access allows farmers to sell perishable goods, like vegetables and fruits, at competitive prices, minimizing spoilage. Additionally, reduced transportation expenses are expected to lead to higher net incomes for farmers. The road also improves access to healthcare, education, and financial services.
Furthermore, DAR-Ilocos Norte recently distributed PHP2.35 million in checks to the Buanga Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Tabug Farmers Association, and Natarnaw Irrigators Association Inc. This was part of the Accessible Loans for Empowered, Resilient, and Transformed Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations initiative. The loan program, collaboratively implemented by DAR, the Department of Agriculture, Land Bank of the Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Agricultural Credit Policy Council, aims to provide accessible and affordable credit to ARBOs, boosting agricultural productivity and income-generating activities.
The program is anticipated to benefit a total of 121 ARBs. “These initiatives underscore the DAR’s unwavering commitment to empowering our agrarian reform beneficiaries and improving the quality of life in rural communities,” provincial agrarian reform program officer Jessamine Jimenez stated in a media interview.