Magalang, Pampanga — Local government units (LGUs) from Bataan, Tarlac, and Zambales convened on July 23 to 24, 2024 in a workshop to discuss how digital tools can improve the localization of the Farm-to-Market Roads Network Plan (FMRNP) 2023-2028. Hosted by the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon, the workshop aimed to align efforts and share innovative tools crucial for the plan’s success.
The FMRNP, introduced by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE) and presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to expedite the transportation of goods from farms to market centers through a strategically interconnected road network. Set for completion in 2028, the plan promises to enhance agricultural logistics significantly, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.
A central theme of the workshop was the introduction and training on two digital systems developed by DA-BAFE to support the FMRNP and bolster agricultural infrastructure: the GeoAgri System and the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).
The GeoAgri System is a state-of-the-art tool which provides geo-visualization of DA-funded projects. It offers detailed mapping and tracking of various agricultural initiatives, including machinery, equipment, post-harvest facilities, and farm-to-market road projects. By visualizing these assets geographically, the GeoAgri System enables effective management and monitoring, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and project progress is easily assessed.
Aimed at facilitating the rapid exchange of information related to agricultural projects, ABEMIS focuses on mechanization, farm-to-market roads, irrigation, and other critical agricultural needs. This system streamlines data sharing and enhances coordination among stakeholders, allowing for quicker issue resolution and better-informed decision-making.
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Asec. Josef Angelo Martires highlighted the importance of these systems in his opening remarks. “The GeoAgri System and ABEMIS developed by DA-BAFE are instrumental in achieving our goals for the FMRNP. They provide us with the tools needed to manage and monitor our infrastructure projects effectively, ensuring we stay on track towards our 2028 completion target,” he said.
The workshop’s primary objective was to equip local officials with the knowledge and skills required to effectively utilize these systems, ensuring that the FMRNP can be localized and adapted to meet the specific needs of each province, city, and municipality.
This initiative is part of the broader effort to implement Joint Administrative Order No. 2 Series of 2023, which mandates the adoption and localization of the FMRNP across various administrative levels.
“The collaborative approach we are fostering here is crucial for the success of the FMRNP,” stated Asec. Martires. “By working together and leveraging these advanced systems, we can significantly improve agricultural logistics and infrastructure throughout the region.”
The event saw participation from local officials, who engaged in hands-on training sessions and discussions on best practices for using the GeoAgri System and ABEMIS. The interactive format allowed participants to explore real-time applications of these systems, providing them with practical insights into how they can be used to enhance project implementation in their respective areas.
Participants expressed optimism about the future of agricultural logistics in Central Luzon. With the tools and knowledge gained from the event, local officials are now better equipped to drive the FMRNP forward, ensuring that the region’s farmers can transport their goods more efficiently and effectively. As local governments continue to collaborate and innovate, the vision of a comprehensive and efficient farm-to-market road network by 2028 becomes increasingly attainable. This initiative not only promises to enhance the livelihoods of farmers but also to contribute to the overall economic development of Central Luzon and beyond. ###DA-BAFE/ICTST