The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the accelerated progress of the 3.10-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) project in Barangay Payac, Bangui, Ilocos Norte. This vital infrastructure development is a direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” program, aiming to significantly improve market access and economic opportunities for local farmers.
The PHP 95.78-million project, a collaborative effort with the Department of Agriculture (DA), is being fast-tracked to ensure its completion within the second quarter of 2025. Civil works commenced in May 2024 and are currently on schedule.
In a report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan highlighted the comprehensive scope of the project, which includes the construction of robust drainage systems, essential slope protection works, and the installation of 15 solar-powered LED streetlights. These enhancements are designed not only to improve the efficiency of agricultural transport but also to bolster road safety for the community, especially during nighttime.
District Engineer Glenn C. Miguel of the Ilocos Norte 1st District Engineering Office emphasized the transformative impact of the FMR. “This project directly addresses the long-standing challenges faced by our local farmers in transporting their agricultural produce to the market, which has historically led to decreased income,” said Engineer Miguel. “By significantly improving transportation efficiency, we are empowering them to achieve better market access and realize greater profits.”
Before the FMR’s construction, the 10-kilometer journey from Barangay Payac to Bangui typically took 20-25 minutes. With the ongoing improvements, this travel time has been dramatically reduced to 10-15 minutes, leading to substantial reductions in transportation costs and a marked decrease in post-harvest losses for farmers.
The Barangay Payac FMR project underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and fostering rural development under the “Build Better More” agenda. This infrastructure investment is set to deliver tangible benefits to the farmers of Barangay Payac, enhancing their livelihoods and contributing to the overall economic vitality of Ilocos Norte.
