P366-M Surigao farm-to-market road to boost connectivity, farmer incomes — DA chief
MANILA — A PHP365.9-million farm-to-market road project in Surigao City is set to improve agricultural connectivity and uplift rural livelihoods, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday.
The NRJ Trinidad–Mabini farm-to-market road (FMR), spanning 6.5 kilometers, will serve as a vital link for farming communities in Surigao del Norte, covering 2,182 hectares of coconut, rice, corn, and banana production areas.
Tiu Laurel described the project as a critical investment for farmers, noting that improved road access will help address long-standing challenges in transporting goods and accessing markets.
“This farm-to-market road is more than just infrastructure—it is a lifeline for our farmers and a direct investment in rural prosperity,” he said during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony.
The FMR will connect 10 barangays across Surigao City and the nearby town of Sison, benefiting an estimated 2,884 families, including 1,245 farming households.
The project includes 6.33 kilometers of concrete pavement and three bridge structures spanning a total of 61 linear meters in the areas of Togonan, Lower Sangay, and Anomar. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted by 2027.
Once finished, the road is expected to cut hauling costs by more than 26 percent, reducing transport expenses to about PHP140 per sack from the current PHP190. Travel time is also projected to drop significantly—from 43.5 minutes to just over 10 minutes—especially improving mobility during heavy rains and monsoon seasons.
The improved access is expected to save farmers and traders several hours during adverse weather conditions and support agricultural expansion of up to 103 hectares over the next two decades.
The project is also seen to attract investments in the coconut sector and open opportunities for value-adding activities, contributing to stronger rural economies.
Tiu Laurel said the initiative aligns with the administration’s goal of achieving food security by strengthening rural infrastructure and integrating farming communities into more efficient value chains.
NPO News Team | News Philippine Agency - PR
