Tacloban City, Leyte — The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has officially completed the construction of a long-awaited farm-to-market road along the remote agricultural communities of Barangay Camansihay and Barangay San Roque to the city center. This vital infrastructure project is expected to substantially enhance the mobility and livelihood of hundreds of farming families in the area.
Funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act through the Department of Agriculture, the project had a total budget of ₱9.9 million and was completed on February 10, 2025, after a construction timeline of approximately seven months.
Road Specifications and Completion Milestones
The project involved the construction of a 0.400-kilometer stretch of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) designed to withstand heavy transport loads and frequent weather changes. In addition, 291.82 meters of slope protection structures were installed along erosion-prone areas to protect the surrounding agricultural lands. A 23.50-lineal meter cross drain was also integrated to ensure proper water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby fields.
According to TCDEO, the construction was accomplished with a 96% average work progress rate throughout the project duration, with minimal delays despite intermittent weather challenges. Final testing and quality assurance assessments were conducted in late January, confirming structural integrity and compliance with national standards.
A Lifeline for Farmers
District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse expressed optimism that the project will make a lasting impact on the farming communities:
“This project is a vital link for our farming communities. Not only does it promote more efficient transport of agricultural products, but it also enhances the daily movement of our farmers to and from their lands, especially during challenging weather conditions. Our goal is to ensure that no community is left behind in the pursuit of development.”
Voices From the Ground
Residents of Barangays Camansihay and San Roque have expressed optimism and gratitude for the completion of the farm-to-market road, anticipating significant improvements in their quality of life and agricultural productivity. For many in these farming communities, the project is seen as a long-awaited solution to decades of poor road access that has hindered the timely and cost-effective transport of produce.
Many in the community feel that the road will help them save money on transportation. They are also looking forward to safer travel, especially during the rainy season. Some residents hope that the improved road will encourage more people to invest in farming.
Economic and Social Impact
Barangay officials estimate that over 300 farming households stand to benefit directly from the improved infrastructure, with ripple effects expected across Tacloban City’s broader agri-based economy. Transportation costs for agricultural produce have already decreased, while travel time to the public market has been reduced by 35-40%.
Recognizing how infrastructure projects like the Camansihay–San Roque farm-to-market road highlight the need for connectivity in some rural areas in Tacloban, the Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has signaled interest in replicating similar projects in other underserved barangays.