Farm-to-market road boosts agriculture, mobility in Iloilo

A newly paved farm-to-market road (FMR) built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office is easing travel for residential and agricultural communities in Pavia, Iloilo.

The PHP 14.912-million project, funded under the district’s 2024 infrastructure program, involved the concreting of a 1.514-kilometer, two-lane Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) FMR connecting the barangays of Pagsangaan and Tigum.

Based on a report from District Engineer Mario G. Soriano, DPWH Region 6 Officer in Charge–Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto said the road will provide all-weather access to agricultural areas, stimulate local economic growth, improve access to social services, and enhance community resilience.

“This road traverses rice fields and other agricultural lands, hence its improvement will enhance the efficiency of transporting agricultural products. Farmers can deliver their produce to market faster with reduced transportation costs, thereby increasing their income,” Fruto said.

Soriano added that paving the road will improve access to essential services and ensure passability even during inclement weather—an important factor in supporting rural development.

“This paved road will facilitate safer, uninterrupted access to schools, workplaces, markets, government and private establishments, and basic government services,” Soriano said.

Concrete farm-to-market roads help increase agricultural productivity, boost rural incomes, and promote community development by connecting isolated farming areas to markets, schools, and health centers.

As part of its nation-building initiatives, the DPWH said it remains committed to implementing vital road projects that connect rural communities to main highways—enabling faster transportation and easier access to public services. (DPWH)