With local agricultural development seemingly more important than ever, Negros Oriental 3rd district Rep. Arnulfo Teves Jr. is prodding the national government to allocate at least P1 billion to every agriculture-based congressional district for the construction and repair of farm-to-market roads.
For this purpose, Teves filed House Resolution (HR) No. 250, saying that “it has been proven time and again that farm-to-market road projects improve the mobility of goods, services, and the general public."
"These facilities serve as links for better access to basic social services such as health centers, schools, and areas for employment," noted the former deputy speaker.
He said his proposal will help farmers increase their agricultural productions, profits and livelihood.
"The road system facilitates the transport and delivery of goods and farm inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. These will increase agricultural production which will consequently result in increased profits and livelihood for the farmers,” Teves said.
Teves stressed that even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 25, emphasized that his administration would focus on establishing a network of farm-to-market roads, modernization, and financial and technical aid for farmers and fisherfolk.
He added that concerned government agencies such as the Departments of Agriculture, Public Works and Highways, Agrarian Reform, and Tourism would be tasked to pool their resources, both financial and technical, into what would be called "Bangon Buhay Magsasaka at Mangingisda" Agricultural Stability Fund.
An allocation of at least P1 billion per agriculture-based congressional district must be included in the next appropriation year 2023, he said.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to begin deliberations on the proposed P5.268-trillion national budget for 2023 on Friday, Aug. 26.
“The connection of farms and coastal areas to main roads also adds the potential of promoting agro-tourism. With better roads, farmers are motivated to plant more because they now have more efficient market access resulting in increase of production and income improving the quality of life in remote rural areas,” added Teves.