BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — The provincial government here has earmarked an initial P348 million for farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, high-value crop development and related projects to boost the agriculture sector.
Citing a report from Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) officer Absalom Rizal Baysa, Gov. Jose Gambito said these resources are being channeled into agriculture to fast-track implementation and expand support for farmers throughout Nueva Vizcaya.
Gambito said the Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan (Mountain Roads) with a P265-million budget targets the province’s rugged upland terrain.
“Our goal is to build all weather roads that link remote farming communities to market centers, reducing postharvest losses and transport costs,” Gambito said.
He said that 25 road projects have already been completed, with the remaining 18 currently under construction.
BOOSTING THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR Farmers tendering upland organic farming in the province of Nueva Vizcaya, like this one in photo, will soon enjoy farm-to-market roads and irrigation systems as the provincial government has allocated P348-million budget to boost the agriculture sector. PHOTO COURTESY OF NUEVA VIZCAYA FRESH
“Improved access roads are the backbone of rural development, allowing farmers to transport their produce to markets faster and at lower cost,” the governor said.
The Dalan ti Umili (People’s Road) project, which is a cement-based farm-to-market (FMR) road program, has been completed with a P50-million budget.
Gambito said the PAO has distributed 153,485 bags of cement to 192 qualified barangay (villages), enabling local governments to construct or upgrade FMR roads.
“This cement for roads model empowers villages to take ownership of infrastructure, and the 100-percent completion rate shows the program’s effectiveness,” Gambito said.
As to their Padanum ti Umili (People’s Irrigation) and solar-powered irrigation and canal lining, the governor said irrigation remains a critical bottleneck for many of their farmers, thus, this program addresses this with two key projects.
Gambito said the P4.4-million solar-powered irrigation system at the Provincial Nursery provides a reliable water supply without dependence on grid electricity, while the P3-million canal lining at the Balete Communal Irrigation System in Santa Fe is designed to reduce seepage losses and improve water delivery efficiency.
“These projects increase water availability and promote climate smart agriculture by harnessing renewable energy,” he said.
To further enhance on farm water management, the Pipe Vegetable Production program in the province has distributed 2,280 rolls of high-density polyethylene irrigation pipes worth P16.1 million to 66 qualified villages.
With these pipes intended for low pressure, drip and sprinkler systems that boost vegetable yields while conserving water, Gambito said farmers now have the tools to irrigate more precisely, resulting in higher productivity and lower input costs.
Also recognizing growing consumer demand for organic produce, the province allocated more than P4.33 million from the Provincial Development Fund to the Productivity Enhancement of Organic Agriculture project.
Gambito said this initiative focuses on training farmers in organic farming technologies, certification standards and market linkage. “By strengthening our organic agriculture, we are diversifying our farm output and opening premium market channels for our growers.”
High-value crops such as coffee are also receiving strategic support. With P3.3 million for the first tranche of equipment at the Coffee Innovation Center located at Nueva Vizcaya State University, Gambito said another P6 million is earmarked for additional machinery and laboratory facilities.
“The center will serve as a hub for technology demonstrations, farmer training, research and product development, and elevate Nueva Vizcaya’s coffee from a local specialty to a nationally recognized brand,” he said.
Gambito emphasized the interconnected nature of these interventions, saying “better roads mean faster delivery of produce, reliable irrigation ensures consistent yields and value-adding facilities capture more income for our farmers.”
Meanwhile, the PAO thanked the governor for the “consistent policy support and timely release of funds, turning plans into concrete results.”
According to Baysa, the governor’s administration has prioritized agriculture as a pillar of provincial development, aligning with national food security goals.
“For now, Nueva Vizcaya’s farmers can expect smoother roads, more reliable water and new opportunities to tap premium markets — all backed by a provincial budget that places agriculture at the heart of its development agenda,” Gambito said.
date:2026-02-14 16:07:00
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