The Department of Agrarian Reform in Region VI is conducting site validation and feasibility study of the proposed Pang-agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka, a priority infrastructure project for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Negros Occidental and other areas in Western Visayas.
Site validation activities are ongoing until April 15, simultaneously in the provinces of Negros Occidental, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.
As part of the ongoing feasibility study, verification is being carried out through the collection of necessary data on the proposed sites, in close coordination with concerned municipal governments, to ensure that all technical, environmental, and social aspects of the project areas are considered, the DAR said.
The initiative aims to address critical infrastructure gaps and promote sustainable development in the countryside. Once completed, the bridges are expected to enhance accessibility, mobility, and market linkages of farmer-beneficiaries, thus promoting rural development and economic growth in their communities, it added.
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, meanwhile, has directed field officials to facilitate the inspection and repair of irrigation facilities in agrarian reform communities to keep them fully operational before the dry season intensifies.
He emphasized the need for proactive measures, including the rehabilitation of non-functional irrigation systems, to help farmers sustain their agricultural activities. He stressed urgency of these preparations as warmer temperatures are already being felt across the country.
The DAR said severe droughts caused by El Niño last year affected over 333,000 farmers and fishers across 15 regions, including Western Visayas, resulting in P15.3 billion in agricultural losses. The government responded with P14.54 billion in aid, but Estrella stressed that prevention is key to avoiding similar hardships.
“While we will be spared from the El Niño phenomenon this year, it should not be a reason for us to be complacent. The more that we should stay focused on our job of maintaining a better working condition for our ARBs,” he stressed. ||
