A significant milestone has been achieved in advancing rural infrastructure development in the Municipality of San Jorge, Samar, as the proposed Improvement and Concreting of the Buenavista–Matalud Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) with bridge successfully passed deliberation before the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) on May 7, 2026 in Tacloban City.
The deliberation served as a critical platform to evaluate the subproject’s technical soundness, economic viability, and social relevance. Through a comprehensive presentation, proponents highlighted the project’s capacity to address longstanding accessibility challenges faced by eight barangays within the road influence area. Board members carefully reviewed key components of the proposal, including its scope, projected benefits, and alignment with the goals of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).
Central to the discussion was the project’s transformative potential. Once implemented, the 5.20-kilometer farm-to-market road, complemented by a 102.2-linear meter bridge, is expected to convert an otherwise difficult and seasonally impassable route into a dependable, all-weather access road. This improvement is seen to directly benefit over 2,100 residents, the majority of whom are engaged in agriculture.
The RPAB also took into consideration the strong economic indicators presented during the deliberation. With an Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of 12.8% and a Net Present Value exceeding Php 70 million, the subproject demonstrated clear economic feasibility. These figures underscore the project’s potential to generate long-term value by reducing transport and hauling costs, minimizing post-harvest losses, and improving overall market efficiency.
Equally important were the anticipated social and agricultural impacts. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance mobility, and open opportunities for expanding cultivated areas across more than 2,200 hectares of agricultural land. Farmers in the area, particularly those engaged in coconut, rice, banana, and other high-value crops, stand to benefit from improved access to markets, inputs, and essential services.
During the deliberation, the board acknowledged the thorough preparation of the subproject, noting its alignment with PRDP’s objective of fostering a modern, inclusive, and market-oriented agri-fishery sector. Constructive input were also provided to further strengthen the proposal, ensuring that all technical, environmental, and social safeguards are adequately addressed moving forward.
The successful RPAB deliberation marks a crucial step toward the subproject’s eventual approval and implementation. More than just a procedural achievement, it reflects a shared commitment among stakeholders to invest in infrastructure that uplifts communities and drives sustainable rural development.
As the Buenavista–Matalud FMR moves closer to realization, it stands as a testament to what collaborative planning and evidence-based decision-making can achieve – bringing the promise of better roads, stronger economies, and improved lives within reach for the people of San Jorge.