Farmers of Sitio Banakan, Barangay Tangkalan are now able to transport their products faster with the completion of the farm to market road (FMR) project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the municipality of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar commended DPWH Region 4B Director Wilfredo S. Mallari for completing the 750-meter road project on-time, greatly improving the access of residents to social services and other facilities.
Under the 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA), a new 5-meter paved carriageway with 1.5-meter wide shoulder and gabions for slope protections was implemented by DPWH Region 4B, with a total cost of P9.5-million.
Mang Estilito, a farmer fsrom Sitio Banakan, noted how the new road helped them trade agricultural commodities and livestock faster with neighboring communities.
“Before, we had to ride a ‘paraw’ (small boat) across the Mamburao river to reach other sitios; teachers and students had a hard time going to school because they have to pass along slippery road, especially during rainy season. We are thankful to DPWH for we now have faster and safer trips,” noted Mang Estilito.
“We at DPWH are really working hard to provide more roads to improve accessibility and open new possibilities for our fellow Filipinos and promote inclusive national development,” said Secretary Villar.