DA fast-tracks P120 M FMR project in La Union

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expediting its P120 million farm to market road (FMR) project in La Union.

The project which involves the rehabilitation of the Balecbec-Basca FMR, is under the Intensified Building-Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development (I-BUILD) program that aims to develop a strategic network of climate-resilient rural infrastructures and facilities that would support the commodity value chain in the area.

The I-BUILD is part of DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), a six-year national project.

About P117 million has been budgeted for the development of the 9.9-kilometer (km) Balecbec-Basca FMR while an additional P10 million has been earmarked  for the rehabilitation of the 13 linear meter-Balecbec bridge.

Balecbec and Basca are considered to have a vast production area and high potential for cultivation of high value crops.

The FRM project is expected to directly benefit about 879 households in the area.

“The project will uplift the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiaries by giving them easier access to government socio-economic programs and interventions such as health and nutrition delivery, peace protection and medical services,”  the DA said.

The Provincial Program Management Implementing Unit of La Union has already accomplished the 40 percent work requirement to facilitate the completion of the project.

This includes the feasibility study, detailed and engineering design, program of work, operation and maintenance, bidding documents, and social and environmental safeguards requirements.

Government data showed that 415 hectares of the area would be cultivated solely for palay, 100 hectares for cassava, 38 hectares for peanut, 35 hectares for sweet potato, 30 hectares for mango, 14 hectares for yellow corn, three hectares for mongo, and over 200 hectares for other fruits, vegetables, root crops and cash crops production.

The DA likewise noted that poor road network makes the area often inaccessible, making it difficult to transport agricultural products to the market.