DA pours over P90M on farm- to-market roads in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY –– Despite the challenges posed by coronavirus cases in the Bicol region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has spent P92.3 million worth of projects to spur rice production in the region.

Emelia Bordado, DA spokesperson, said on Friday that six farm-to-market roads under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) are being constructed in five towns and a city in Bicol.

The town of Aroroy in Masbate got the biggest slice with P32.7 million, followed by Caramoran in Catanduanes with P22.8 million.

Tabaco City in Albay got P17.3 million, San Vicente in Camarines Norte P9.4 million, Pamplona P5.1 million, and Sipocot P4.8 million, both in Camarines Sur.

The DA report said the project is challenged by COVID-19 measures.

The on-going projects had to be stopped due to the government-imposed quarantine guidelines.

But despite the COVID challenge, and restricted movement, PRDP South Luzon was able to disburse P106.88 million, of which 86 percent or P92.39 million were poured into Bicol, exceeding its target for April by P23.63 million or 34 percent.

LZB