SALLAPADAN, Abra – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has inaugurated and turned over the P63.8 million Sallapadan Barrio–Ud-udiao farm-to-market road (FMR), aimed at improving farm access and boosting livelihoods in this town.

The 1.85-kilometer concrete road, complete with a box culvert and slope protection structures, was inaugurated by DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Mercedes Borongan together with the local government unit of Sallapadan led by Mayor Fernando Semanero Jr.

The project is expected to help farmers, particularly agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), transport produce faster and more safely, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve connectivity between farming areas and markets.

“This farm-to-market road opens doors to better opportunities for our ARBs. By improving access to markets and services, we help farmers increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve their quality of life,” Borongan said.

Mayor Semanero said the road will support local trade and long-term economic growth. “This project makes it easier and safer for our farmers to bring their harvests to the market. It strengthens connections among barangays and contributes to the overall growth of our local economy,” he said.

The project benefits 1,072 ARBs, including members of the Sallapadan Barrio Agriculture Cooperative and the UDNAMA Agriculture Credit Cooperative.

“Transporting our harvest used to be difficult and expensive, especially during the rainy season. With this new road, our produce reaches the market faster and in better condition. This is a big help to our cooperative and our families,” a cooperative officer said.

DAR–Abra also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III for supporting infrastructure projects that promote inclusive rural development.

DAR PHOTO