BALANGA CITY (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) paved the 1,003.02-lineal meter section of a farm-to-market road (FMR) in Samal, Bataan.

The infrastructure is located at sitio Lakbangan in barangay Imelda.

DPWH Bataan 1st District Engineer Erlindo Flores Jr. said the Department of Agriculture has allotted a total of P12.16 million for the concreting of the five-meter FMR.

“This concrete path is more than just a road; it's a vital lifeline for local farmers whose livelihood depends on the efficient transport of their produce,” he pressed.

Farmers previously struggled with mobility, particularly during harsh weather conditions when the then unpaved road became impassable.

“With the concreted road, they now experience smoother travel conditions, improving their capacity to trade and access markets efficiently,” Flores added.

The project's impact reaches beyond agriculture as the road now provides improved access to essential services and facilities for over 600 households in barangay Imelda. (MJSC/CLJD-PIA 3)