SANTA CRUZ, Laguna (PIA) — A technical working Group (TWG) has been created to oversee Laguna’s agricultural infrastructure development under the Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan (FMRNP) of the provincial government.
Citing its positive impact on the agri-fisheries sector, the Laguna Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) said that the newly formed TWG aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of revitalizing the country’s agricultural economy.
“This initiative ensures the thorough and strategic formulation of the FMRNP and its corresponding investment plan, fostering well-planned infrastructure development that enhances market access, rural connectivity, and economic growth,” said Maria Rowena Beatriz Inzon, Laguna’s Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator.
She emphasized that the creation of the FMRNP-TWG will benefit farmers, fisherfolk, local businesses, and the general public by ensuring efficient planning and implementation of farm-to-market roads in the province.
Inzon added that these roads will not only enhance connectivity between production areas and markets but also open access to remote communities, unlock economic opportunities, and promote undiscovered tourist destinations.
One of the key priorities of the provincial government is to identify roads with the highest economic impact and connectivity, ensuring alignment with agricultural production areas, market hubs, and growth centers. The TWG also aims to adopt climate-resilient standards to enhance durability and sustainability.
For project funding, Inzon said the TWG will propose a multi-sectoral approach, maximizing funding from various sources, including key partners such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Laguna supports the initiative, highlighting that the FMR network plan will boost rural connectivity and improve access for farmers.
“DILG Laguna is committed to assisting the Provincial Government in streamlining the submission of the Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan. Through coordinated efforts and capacity-building initiatives, the department ensures efficient compliance, enabling improved rural connectivity and road planning for better farmer access,” said DILG Laguna Provincial Director Jay-Ar Beltran.
The establishment of the FMR-TWG follows Joint Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2023, issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This directive mandates local government units (LGUs) to create their own FMR-TWG to improve rural road networks and agricultural connectivity. (FC, PIA4A)
