More FMRs for Benguet sought

BUGUIAS, Benguet -- Farmers and officials in the province expressed the need for rehabilitation of roads and more farm to market roads (FMR).

Outgoing Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol asked farmers and Benguet officials to request to the Regional Development Council and coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“Ask for different design for your roads in mountain provinces taking into consideration the geographical realities,” he said. “I am asking Cameron Odsey (DA-Cordillera director), the mayors ask DPWH to design a separate road standard for you.”

“I also agree with the request of the mayors to improve infra - facilities. Kasi nakita ko iyong mga kalsada talagang masisikip, sira-sira, kailangang talagang nating i-improve itong Benguet, iyong vegetable production area natin,” Piñol said.

Odsey said for FMRs, there is a process where in the proposals will be validated and submitted to central office.

“May mga criteria kasi in terms of iyan ba talaga ay pupunta sa farms, ilan ang mga beneficiaries and technically iyan ba ay existing road,” said Odsey.

Odsey added once the proposal is approved, this would be endorsed to their central office.

At least P350 million FMRs are allotted for Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao, Mt. Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region this year.

Piñol cited there are 12,000 kilometers backlog in terms of FMRs.