MASINLOC, Zambales (PIA) — More than 1,500 farmers and around 4,500 households, including indigenous peoples, are expected to benefit from a P727-million farm-to-market road (FMR) project in Masinloc, Zambales, which aims to improve transport connectivity and expand economic opportunities in the area.
This follows the approval by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) Central Luzon Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) of the 26-kilometer Baloganon–Sitio Coto, Taltal farm-to-market road rehabilitation and improvement project on April 21, 2026.
In a statement, DA-PRDP Central Luzon said the subproject includes the construction of 11 bridges and is considered the largest subproject in terms of cost and the longest FMR approved so far under the PRDP Scale-Up program.
It is designed to address long-standing transport and accessibility challenges while directly supporting the production and market access of mango and rice farmers in the area.
Planned works include concreting of damaged and poorly graveled sections, upgrading of drainage systems, and replacing 11 steel bridges to ensure better year-round access, especially during adverse weather conditions.
DA-PRDP Central Luzon noted that before approval, the RPAB conducted feasibility study deliberations involving representatives from key national government agencies to ensure compliance with technical, economic, environmental, and social safeguard standards.
Upon completion, the FMR is expected to ease transport by cutting travel time and hauling costs, allowing farmers to transport their produce more efficiently and at lower cost.
Additionally, once improved, the road network is seen to contribute to higher farmgate prices, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved overall agricultural productivity. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
