With the goal of revitalizing Laguna’s agricultural sector, the provincial government has formed a technical working group (TWG) to develop its farm-to-market road network.
According to Maria Rowena Beatriz Inzon, Laguna’s Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, the creation of the TWG will benefit farmers, fisherfolk, local businesses, and the general public by ensuring efficient planning and implementation of farm-to-market roads in the province.
“This initiative ensures the thorough and strategic formulation of the FMRNP and its corresponding investment plan, fostering well-planned infrastructure development that enhances market access, rural connectivity, and economic growth,” Inzon said in a media interview.
She added that these roads will not only enhance connectivity between production areas and markets but also open access to remote communities, unlock economic opportunities, and promote undiscovered tourist destinations.
One of the key priorities of the provincial government is to identify roads with the highest economic impact and connectivity, ensuring alignment with agricultural production areas, market hubs, and growth centers.
The TWG also aims to adopt climate-resilient standards to enhance durability and sustainability.
For project funding, Inzon said the TWG will propose a multi-sectoral approach, maximizing funding from various sources, including key partners such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Laguna supports the initiative, highlighting that the FMR network plan will boost rural connectivity and improve access for farmers.
“DILG Laguna is committed to assisting the Provincial Government in streamlining the submission of the Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan. Through coordinated efforts and capacity-building initiatives, the department ensures efficient compliance, enabling improved rural connectivity and road planning for better farmer access,” said DILG Laguna Provincial Director Jay-Ar Beltran.
(With report from PIA)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #DILG #DA #DPWH