Mindoro LGUs lead localization of Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan to transform MIMAROPA agriculture sector

DA-BAFE Director Ariodear Rico said the workshop’s goal is to enhance connectivity between farms and markets, significantly impacting farmers’ livelihoods and the economy. The government’s commitment to infrastructure development aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for national progress, he added.

“The DILG understands the necessity and importance of these initiatives for your respective local government units, and I can assure you of our willingness to extend our support. As such, I also encourage you to seek the DILG’s help through various initiatives and financial assistance, such as the Financial Assistance for Local Garment Units or the FALGU,” said DILG Undersecretary for Project Development Management Atty. Odilon Pasaraba. He explained the significance of FMRNP in improving agricultural infrastructure and its future role as an indicator in the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

Aligning the project development cycle with FMRNP localization involves identifying FMR priorities based on stakeholder inputs, developing detailed project plans, and collaborating on engineering designs, said DILG MIMAROPA Development Management Officer, Mr. Judenn Mascareñas. He emphasized the importance of criteria ranking for project prioritization, ensuring that resources are allocated to the most impactful projects.

Oriental Mindoro Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) Artemio Casareno said “the stakeholders from national government agencies and local government units will be localizing the FMRNP with the end goal of creating a plan for your respective provinces, cities, and municipalities.” He emphasized that this collaborative effort will allow for the mapping of existing farm-to-market road networks and identifying areas needing development or rehabilitation.

DA Undersecretary for Administration, Usec. Alan Q. Umali, urged government bodies, local authorities, farmers, and private sector stakeholders to work together and focus on the value chain. “We must prioritize the needs of our farmers and ensure that their voices are heard in the planning and implementation stages,” said Usec. Umali.

DAR Mimaropa Regional Director, Atty. Marvin V. Bernal, underscored the critical role of LGUs in the successful implementation of the FMRNP. “DAR will strengthen its close collaboration and coordination with other CARP implementing agencies and local government units in the realm of support services mandate,” Atty. Bernal said.

An important feature of the workshop was the demonstration of the GeoAgri, an online platform developed by DA-BAFE that allows real-time updates and monitoring of agricultural projects, thus serving as a centralized data repository. “This system helps users see real-time updates from the regions, making it easier to track the progress of machinery distribution and infrastructure projects,” Engr. Baldeo of BAFE-SEPPD explained. The GeoAgri system includes a comprehensive map layer showing the location and status of agricultural machinery and farm-to-market roads, allowing users to filter data by region for detailed insights into project implementation and machinery distribution. Workshop participants engaged in hands-on activities on the data build-up/updating of network map by province/district/city/municipality in agricultural and fisheries production areas, coastal landing sites, post-harvest facilities and markets. Selected municipalities in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro then presented their initial output to the plenary. ###DA-BAFE/ICTST