Village leaders in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, hailed the completion of a new farm-to-market road (FMR) that will connect their barangays to the province’s market centers, benefiting over 2,800 rubber farmers.

The 4.7-km. Bucac-Marcelina FMR, with a budget of PHP59 million, was officially handed over to barangays San Isidro, Burac, and Marcelina on Feb. 7.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) under the Philippine Rural Development Project, the road will ease travel difficulties and improve market access for villagers.

“This completed project symbolizes progress and hope for our village,” said Barangay Captain Therese Baslan of San Isidro in a statement Monday.

She emphasized that the FMR will primarily benefit rubber farmers by facilitating the transport of their products to market centers.

Niño Cagampang, village chief of Marcelina, said the FMR will eliminate past hardships and open new market opportunities for farmers.

Both officials thanked the government for realizing the long-standing dream of residents.

DA-13 Executive Director Arlan Mangelen acknowledged the support of local government units, the World Bank and the European Union in completing the project.

“The mandate of the DA is to ensure regional food security. We want to achieve these goals with our stakeholders,” Mangelen said in a statement.

The FMR is expected to serve 2,872 farmers from the three barangays, enhancing their livelihoods and boosting the local economy. (PNA)