P140M FMR in Ifugao seen to increase heirloom rice production

Ifugao, Philippines – With the completion of the P140,528,029.88 Farm-to-Market Road in Mayoyao, Ifugao, it is expected that the provision of a better-quality and safer access road in the area shall boost heirloom rice production, one of the main products in said municipality.

According to the municipality, the farm-to-market road of 4.96-kilometer length will immediately benefit 550 households in various barangays -Palaad, Nalbu, Alimit, Banao, and Nattum.

A report by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Cordillera disclosed the FMR subproject has improved economic activity in the communities with more motorists traversing the barangays.

With the FMR, residents can directly transport their products faster by using vehicles to reach the Municipal Hall and Public Market.

Further, the FMR encouraged owners of agricultural lots along the newly completed road to be cultivated with upland rice, legumes, ginger, and tomatoes.

Joy S. Salvio, Engineer of Alfalfa Construction, said that safer travel of children on foot can be experienced, especially when kids want to have fun in the river located at Barangay Alimit.

Salvio recalled her childhood days, saying the travel used to take four hours to reach the river.

Salvio likewise appreciated the involvement of other units in the monitoring and inspection of activities.

“The involvement of the other unit is very much appreciated, especially the Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) to ensure that the environment will not be gravely affected and to ensure the safety of the project’s social aspect,” said the Engineer.

The said FMR subproject started construction in 2019 under the DA-PRDP in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Ifugao and was completed this year.