The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 1 (Ilocos Region) on Friday turned over nine farm-to-market roads (FMRs) that are expected to stimulate economic growth in rural farming villages in Ilocos Norte.

The roads, worth PHP140 million, are located in Barangay Nagsurot in Burgos; Barangay Carusikis in Pasuquin; Barangay Francisco and Baresbes in Dingras; and Barangay Camanga, Nagrebcan, and Balbaldez in Badoc.

All in all, the FMRs cover 11.028 km.

During the ceremonial turnover held in this city, chief agrarian reform program officer Rommel Aquino said the construction and improvement of the FMRs aim to enhance the accessibility of remote farming areas and enable the efficient transport of agricultural products to markets.

“Improved road infrastructure will reduce post-harvest losses, increase farmers’ income, and stimulate economic growth in the province,” Aquino said.

He added that the success of the projects would be measured through reduced transportation costs, increased market access for farmers, and improved overall farm productivity of the 9,834 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and 6,910 non-ARBs.

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is targeting to build 131,410.66 km. of FMRs in six years. (PNA)