Story: JOSEPHINE M. MENDOZA
Photos/Data: DPWH-Eastern Samar
Photos/Data: DPWH-Eastern Samar
A 0.420-kilometer concrete farm-to-market road (FMR) project is completed in Barangay Caisawan, Balangkayan, Eastern Samar. The road is seen to improve access to markets and enhance the livelihood of farmers.
The project that stretches to 0.420 kilometers of concrete road with 218 linear meters lined canal and 60 meters of slope protection is appropriated of Php20 million from the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan of the Philippine Coconut Authority.
The Department of Public Works and Highways - Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH-ESDEO) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) jointly marked the completion of the road project during its inauguration.
The project that stretches to 0.420 kilometers of concrete road with 218 linear meters lined canal and 60 meters of slope protection is appropriated of Php20 million from the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan of the Philippine Coconut Authority.
The Department of Public Works and Highways - Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH-ESDEO) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) jointly marked the completion of the road project during its inauguration.
PCA Regional Office 8 Manager, Engineer Joel Pilapil, informed that the construction funds for the particular farm-to-market road originated from a levy of one peso collected from coconut farmers for every 100 kgs of copra during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.
"After more than 20 years of debate in Congress about the utilization of such funds, it was finally declared a public fund during President Rodrigo Duterte's time," Pilapil said.
Pilapil informed that the public fund amounts to Php70B pesos which is aimed to fund various government projects aimed to assist coconut farmers and their families. These projects include the construction of roads and other infrastructure, scholarship programs and other livelihood initiatives.
Meanwhile, DPWH-ESDEO Assistant Construction Chief, Engr. Glenn Quilona emphasized that the road project will connect Barangays Caisawan and Magsaysay at a reduced travel time that will benefit around 120 motorists every day.
In addition, Balangkayan Municipal Agriculturist, Arnel Glino, stressed that project will have a favorable impact to local farmers in reducing labor and transportation costs for farm products. Low transportation expenses will increase profitability to farmers in their farm produce. Easy access to market will thus encourage farmers to increase production.
"After more than 20 years of debate in Congress about the utilization of such funds, it was finally declared a public fund during President Rodrigo Duterte's time," Pilapil said.
Pilapil informed that the public fund amounts to Php70B pesos which is aimed to fund various government projects aimed to assist coconut farmers and their families. These projects include the construction of roads and other infrastructure, scholarship programs and other livelihood initiatives.
Meanwhile, DPWH-ESDEO Assistant Construction Chief, Engr. Glenn Quilona emphasized that the road project will connect Barangays Caisawan and Magsaysay at a reduced travel time that will benefit around 120 motorists every day.
In addition, Balangkayan Municipal Agriculturist, Arnel Glino, stressed that project will have a favorable impact to local farmers in reducing labor and transportation costs for farm products. Low transportation expenses will increase profitability to farmers in their farm produce. Easy access to market will thus encourage farmers to increase production.
The road project was implemented and completed within 90 calendar days. Its inauguration on May 21, 2024 was attended by officials and representatives of PCA Regional Office 8, DPWH Eastern Samar, LGU-Balangkayan, barangay officials and members of the Coconut Farmers Association of the 2 barangays. Local residents led by Punong Barangay Jahpet Glino who, in his welcome remarks expressed appreciation to government programs that substantially benefits the community, particularly local farmers. (CJ/jge/JMM)
