The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has broken ground on a landmark P500-million farm-to-market road (FMR) project in Polangui, Albay, marking a stride toward improving rural infrastructure and economic connectivity for thousands of local farmers.
The ceremony, held last week, signaled the start of five critical FMR segments spanning a total of 9.2 kilometers. The project is set to benefit 7,879 farmers across multiple barangays—comprising 2,001 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), 1,486 non-ARBs, and 4,392 potential ARBs.
According to a statement released Wednesday, the road segments will receive equal funding of approximately P100 million each. The construction will cover the following roads: Sta. Cruz–Balaba (1.9 km), Pintor–Kinuartelan–La Purisima Phase 2 (2.49816 km), Cotnogan FMR (2.40729 km), Apad–Balangibang (0.76354 km), and Luya–Dalipay–Sugcad (2.15594 km).
DAR undersecretary Rowena Niña Taduran emphasized the transformative potential of the project during the ceremonial event. “This will ease your problem with the smooth flow of roads for the transportation of your produce,” Taduran said, highlighting how improved road access can reduce transport costs and open broader market opportunities for farmers. “With the help of these programs, we believe that you will be more successful in your goals as farmers.”
While the agency has not provided a specific project completion timeline, the initiative forms part of DAR’s ongoing commitment to supporting agrarian communities through infrastructure development.
Provincial agrarian reform program officer Maria Eugenia Alteza also addressed beneficiaries during the event, urging them to actively engage in and maximize government support services. “These roads are not just physical infrastructure—they are lifelines that will enhance mobility, increase productivity, and ensure better market access for your agricultural goods,” Alteza said.
The DAR said the infrastructure projects reinforce the government’s broader rural development strategy, aiming to empower agrarian reform communities and strengthen the agricultural value chain in Albay and beyond.
