Solon seeks fund for market-to-farm roads
TO better help farmers increase their agricultural productions, profits and livelihood, Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has filed a resolution urging the national government to allocate at least P1 billion in each and every agriculture-based congressional district for the construction and repair of farm-to-market roads.
Teves, in House Resolution No. 250, said that the construction of farm-to-market roads would also improve mobility of people — giving them better employment opportunities within and outside their respective localities — while also improving access of farmers, fisherfolk and residents to basic services, mainly on education and health.
“The connection of farms and coastal areas to main roads also adds the potential of promoting agro-tourism. With better roads, farmers are motivated to plant more because they now have more efficient market access resulting in increase of production and income improving the quality of life in remote rural areas,” Teves said.
Teves stressed that even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), emphasized that his administration would also focus on establishing a network of farm-to-market roads, modernization, and financial and technical aid for farmers and fisherfolk.
He said that the President stated–“Magbibigay tayo ng pautang habang mas ilalapit natin sa sektor ng agrikultura ang hindi gaanong mahal na farm inputs na bihilhin ng bulto ng gobyerno…Ang mga pautang at financial assistance sa mga magbuhukid at mangingisda ay magiging institusyon at patakaran ng aking administrasyon—We will provide grants while bringing closer to the agricultural sector a reasonably priced farm inputs, which the government would buy in bulk…The loans and other forms of financial assistance to the farmers and fisherfolk would become one of the main focus of my administration.”
He added that concerned government agencies such as the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Tourism (DoT) would be tasked to pool their resources, both financial and technical, into what would be called “Bangon Buhay Magsasaka at Mangingisda” Agricultural Stability Fund.
An allocation of at least P1 billion per agriculture-based congressional district must be included in the next appropriation year 2023.
“It has been proven time and again that farm-to-market road projects improve the mobility of goods, services, and the general public. These facilities serve as links for better access to basic social services such as health centers, schools, and areas for employment. The road system facilitates the transport and delivery of goods and farm inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. These will increase agricultural production which will consequently result in increased profits and livelihood for the farmers,” Teves said.
He added that the wholesome government approach of constructing farm-to-market roads would not only benefit the agricultural sector but would also reached the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), which contributes to the long standing insurgency problem in GIDAs.
