Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III leads the ceremonial ribbon-cutting during the inauguration of the newly completed DAR bridge projects in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, marking the opening of safer and faster transport access for farmers, residents, and agricultural communities in the province.
GUIMBA, Nueva Ecija — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has formally opened nearly ₱200 million worth of bridge infrastructure projects in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, aimed at providing safer and faster transport routes for farmers and rural communities.
Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III led the ceremonial turnover of the newly completed bridges, which are expected to improve mobility, strengthen agricultural trade, and reduce transportation difficulties in remote farming areas.
The projects include the 41.5-linear-meter Cavite–Sta. Ana Bridge connecting Barangays Cavite and Sta. Ana, and the 41.5-linear-meter Balbalino Bridge located in Barangay Balbalino. Both bridges are designed to provide year-round access for residents, delivery vehicles, farm machinery, and traders who previously relied on narrow and flood-prone crossings.
Photo By: DAR
The Cavite–Sta. Ana Bridge is expected to benefit around 2,410 residents, while approximately 1,161 residents, mostly Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and smallholder farmers engaged in rice and vegetable farming, are expected to benefit from the Balbalino Bridge.
According to DAR, the improved infrastructure will help farmers transport agricultural products more efficiently, minimize post-harvest losses, and gain easier access to trading centers and government services. Local officials also noted that the bridges are expected to stimulate economic activity and improve market linkages in nearby communities.
“The DAR will continue to help our farmers uplift their lives and improve their livelihoods as we work together in building a stronger nation through agricultural development and rural progress,” Estrella said.
Aside from the bridge turnover, DAR also distributed Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage to ARBs across Central Luzon, condoning nearly ₱190 million in unpaid land amortizations, interests, and penalties covering more than 3,600 hectares of awarded farmland.
The agency likewise released over ₱16 million in credit assistance and awarded land titles and scholarships for dependents of ARBs under the DAR Scholarship Program.
The initiative supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the agriculture sector through improved rural infrastructure, expanded market access, and continuous support services for farmers. (Department of Agrarian Reform)