Gov’t turns over P21.6M-worth of road projects to Isabela farmers

Cabatuan, Isabela – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over P21.6 million worth of farm-to-market roads to Isabela rice farmers to improve the transportation of rice, the area's major crop, and foster growth in the agricultural sector.

The breakdown cost for the infrastructure projects, implemented under the Sustainable and Resilient ARCs (SuRE ARCs) Project, comprise P8,837,829.73 allocated for Barangay Diamantina and P12,768,072.78 for Barangay Rang-ay.

DAR Cagayan Valley Regional Director Primo Lara said the newly rehabilitated farm-to-market roads would boost the livelihood activities of the farmers.

“With improved infrastructure, better access to markets and reduced transportation costs would boost productivity and enhance the overall rice community,” he said.

Lara added that these rehabilitated roads signal progress for the town of Cabatuan’s agrarian communities, representing a hopeful step toward a sustainable future anchored by strengthened agricultural infrastructure.

“With these rehabilitated roads, the farming communities of Cabatuan move toward a more resilient and sustainable future, strengthened by enhanced access to vital markets,” he said.

The agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations, namely, the Diamantina Samahanang Nayon Credit Cooperative and ALMADAYRIT Cabatuan Agriculture Cooperative, are the proponents of these projects.

The SuRe ARC Project aims to improve the lives of ARBs and ARB households in agrarian reform communities by providing them with necessary climate-resilient farm support services and infrastructure to ensure their continued farm operations to make them productive, increase their farm incomes, and help address the country’s food security.

Cabatuan Mayor Bernardo Garcia Jr., and Director Lara, along with other DAR and local government officials, and the agrarian reform beneficiaries participated in this ceremony, emphasizing the collective effort behind the project.