In a move set to enhance agricultural productivity and rural connectivity, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed two significant projects in Bataan.

In the town of Samal, DPWH paved a 1,003.02-meter stretch of a farm-to-market road (FMR) in sitio Lakbangan, barangay Imelda. This initiative, funded by the Department of Agriculture with a total of P12.16 million, aims to convert the five-meter FMR into a concrete path. According to DPWH Bataan 1st District Engineer Erlindo Flores Jr., this development is more than just a road; it serves as a vital lifeline for local farmers whose livelihoods depend on the efficient transportation of their produce. Previously, farmers faced mobility challenges, especially during harsh weather conditions when the unpaved road became impassable. With the completion of the project, farmers now experience smoother travel conditions, enhancing their capacity to trade and access markets efficiently.

Meanwhile, in Balanga City, DPWH finished the concrete paving of a 710-meter section of an FMR in sitio Bani, barangay Cataning. DPWH Bataan 2nd District Engineer Ulysses Llado shared that the P14.9-million project was funded by the Department of Agriculture in the 2023 national budget.

The five-meter wide, two-lane road is equipped with wheel guards to ensure pedestrian safety. Llado emphasized that the completion of these projects demonstrates the agency’s dedication to addressing the critical need for reliable public structures in rural areas.

The impact of these projects extends beyond agriculture, as the roads now provide improved access to essential services and facilities for over 600 households in barangay Imelda.

The DPWH remains committed to advancing projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of the residents it serves, particularly in enhancing the agricultural sector and rural development in Bataan.

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