SOME 1,500 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) will soon enjoy greater economic opportunities as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a P100 million worth farm-to-market road (FMR) in Guinobatan, Albay.
Rodrigo O. Realubit, DAR Bicol Region Assistant Regional Director for Administration, said the DAR has partnered with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Guinobatan town to start the concreting of 5.6-kilometer Calzada-Malabnig-Mapaco-Mauraro road within the Mayon-Southland Guinobatan agrarian reform community, which will greatly benefit the agricultural sector in the province. “This road will help boost the productions of rice and coconut, the major crops of ARBs here,” said Realubit.
Realubit added that the project symbolizes the continued partnership between the DAR and the LGUs, which showcases government efforts to develop the countryside by providing the much-needed infrastructure.
Realubit said 30 percent of the budget from the Agrarian Reform Fund has already been downloaded to the LGU of Guinobatan after the Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Secretary Estrella and Mayor Paul Garcia last December 28, 2022.
Under the agreement, ARBs and out-of-school youths will be provided employment opportunities by hiring them as laborers. This move is expected to generate additional income for these groups, which will ultimately improve their economic standing.
DAR Bicol Regional Director Reuben Theodore C. Sindac said the project was awarded to the beneficiaries “because it is what the farming communities really need especially in transporting goods and crops.”
The project is part of the 9-point agenda of DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, which aims to provide improved rural infrastructure, strengthen food security, and reduce poverty in the country.
The project is estimated to be completed this year.
metrosundaily
