What's Happening?
The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has been approached by Zamboanga del Sur for a partnership to accelerate the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMR) in the province. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. expressed
support for the initiative, which involves 26 priority projects with a budget of P370 million. These projects aim to improve infrastructure across 21 municipalities, including Pagadian City. The DA's FMR program, with a budget of P33 billion, is designed to enhance rural access and boost agricultural productivity.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between Zamboanga del Sur and the DA highlights the importance of infrastructure development in supporting agricultural growth. Improved farm-to-market roads can lower production costs, increase farmer incomes, and stimulate economic development in rural areas. This initiative reflects a broader trend of local governments seeking partnerships to enhance public service delivery and infrastructure development. The success of such projects can serve as a model for other regions aiming to improve agricultural efficiency and rural livelihoods.
