The Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) office in Negros Oriental on Thursday turned over a PHP25-million farm-to-market road in Barangay Lonoy, Bais City as part of the government’s land reform program.

“The road spans 1 km. and is the first to be turned over this year,” Manuel Galon, provincial agrarian reform officer, said in an interview.

Galon said the project implementation began in October last year and the area was identified based on the local government unit’s (LGU) recommendation.

He said road construction is part of DAR’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to help farmers bring their produce to markets and sell them at higher prices.

These roads can also be used as dryers as they are made of concrete, he added.

Present during the turnover ceremony were DAR officials in Central Visayas and Negros Oriental, as well as provincial, local, and barangay officials.

The turnover was held days after the provincial government inaugurated a PHP20-million, 1.7-km. road concreting project in Barangay Inapoy in Mabinay.

Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria led the activity held on March 9, with 2nd District Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria, Mabinay Mayor Ernie Uy, and other officials in attendance. (PNA)