The Department of Agriculture has approved a major rural infrastructure project under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), aimed at improving connectivity and agricultural productivity in Zambales.
Valued at approximately PHP727 million, the 26-km farm-to-market road will link Barangay Baloganon to Sitio Coto in Barangay Taltal. The project, which includes the construction of 11 bridges, is the largest and most capital-intensive initiative under the World Bank-supported PRDP Scale-Up programme.
The road upgrade is designed to address long-standing accessibility challenges in upland farming communities, where poor infrastructure has resulted in travel times of up to two hours and limited transport options. Once completed, it is expected to directly benefit more than 1,500 farmers, primarily engaged in mango and rice production, as well as around 4,500 households.
Planned improvements include road concreting, drainage enhancements and replacement of ageing bridge structures to ensure all-weather access. The project is expected to strengthen rural mobility, improve market access for agricultural produce and support regional economic development.