DPWH builds farm-to-market roads in Iloilo, boosts agri sector in Western Visayas
By Chito Chavez
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Monday, Dec. 26, that it has completed the construction of two farm-to-market roads in the district of Jaro in Iloilo province, providing an improved access to the agricultural products in Western Visayas (Region 6).

DPWH Region 6 Director Nerie D. Bueno reported that the road project in Zarraga municipality involves the concreting of a 2.9-kilometer, two-lane portland concrete cement pavement (PCCP) access road with slope protection from Barangay Inagdangan to Barangay Talibong.
“The concrete road will serve as a primary access in transporting products and services from farms to the market and neighboring towns, and also provide a faster and more convenient route from Iloilo East Coast Capiz Road to Iloilo-Capiz Road (New Route) and vice versa,” Bueno said.
The concreting of the P32.3-million Barangay Inagdangan-Talibong FMR was undertaken by the DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office (DEO).
Meanwhile, the DPWH Iloilo City DEO, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture (DA), has finished concreting the second FMR worth P10-million in Jaro District.
Based on the report of District Engineer Cezar Hipona, Bueno said that the 246-lineal meter, two-lane FMR with gravel shoulder better connects the agricultural community of Barangay Lanit to various markets in the highly-urbanized city.
The newly-paved FMRs will reduce travel time and hauling cost, providing more income to the farmers and boosting the agricultural development in the province.
“DPWH will continue to support the agricultural sector by implementing significant road projects that will enhance mobility and access to essential services and establishments, and help develop our rural communities,” Bueno noted.