4.7-km FMR stirs optimism among Agusan Sur farmers
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – Farmers in Agusan del Sur province expressed optimism about a 4.7-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) recently turned over by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Program.
In partnership with the national government, World Bank and European Union, the FMR is expected to bring more development, including increased agricultural productivity and profits for farmers.
The FMR connects the barangays of Bucac, San Isidro and Marcelina in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Artemio Bacus, a farmer and motorcycle taxi driver, recalled the struggles of travel on the previous bumpy road, which was often worsened by flooding.
“Lahi najud karon tungod aning farm-to-market road kay mas dali na ang biyahe ug dili nami magkalisod,” he said.
(It is different now because through this farm-to-market road, it is now easier for us to travel.)
Bacus also expressed gratitude to government agencies, especially the Agusan del Sur provincial government, for their response to the farmers’ needs.
“Daghang salamat sa atong gobyerno hilabi na sa provincial government sa Agusan del Sur nan ga mayo na ang kahimtang sa atong kalsada ug mas hapsay ang biyahe sa katawhan. Dili na usab madaot atong mga produkto nga i-transport,” he said.
(Thank you to the efforts of the different government agencies and the provincial government. It is now safer for us and our commuters to travel, and the products that we will be transporting will remain in good condition.)
The provincial government contributed 10 percent of the P60-million FMR project.
Meanwhile, the barangay captains of the areas expressed their commitment to be stewards of the road project and monitor the safety of the farmer beneficiaries. The FMR also connects nearby municipalities of Prosperidad and San Luis in the province.
DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen urged the farmers to unite and continue to contribute to nation-building and maintain food production and security not only in the province but throughout the region. (JPG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
