The completion of the P15.8-million Western Visayas Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC), Hamungaya Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) project at Brgy. Buntatala in Jaro is seen to enhance the productivity and economic opportunities of local farmers.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo City District Engineering Office, in convergence with the Department of Agriculture (DA), has completed the WESVIARC, Hamungaya Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) project which involved the construction of a newly constructed two-lane road stretching 773 meters.
WESVIARC, a landmark in the project site, spearheads the conduct of various researches and scientific studies on agriculture and fisheries.
The road project aims to improve transportation infrastructure in the city and support the local agricultural sector by linking Hamungaya in Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, to the Iloilo Radial bypass road.
District Engineer Cesar M. Hipona, Jr. said this FMR project would provide local farmers with an expedited and secure route to transport their goods to the city and nearby towns, ultimately enhancing their productivity and economic opportunities.
“The completion of this project brings hope to the local farmers who have long endured the arduous task of transporting
their products to the market through dilapidated roads, particularly during the rainy season when impassibility becomes a major obstacle,” said Hipona.
The FMR project is a crucial link between the agricultural areas in Hamungaya and the major road network. By providing farmers with improved access to transportation infrastructure, the project is anticipated to strengthen the local agricultural sector and enhance the standard of living for farmers in the region.
DPWH 6 Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno emphasized the significance of the completed project, recognizing the long-standing struggles local farmers faced in transporting their goods to the market, especially during the rainy season.
“This project is a significant step towards improving the lives of our local farmers. By giving them access to more effective transportation infrastructure, we are promoting the growth of the agricultural sector and enhancing their overall standard of living,” said Director Bueno.
The completion of the FMR project marks a significant achievement for both DPWH and DA, demonstrating their commitment to developing vital infrastructure that supports agricultural sector growth and holds the promise of facilitating efficient transportation of agricultural products, minimizing post-harvest losses, and empowering farmers to unlock their maximum economic potential.AAL/LAF/PIA6 Iloilo/DPWHR6
