Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Brgys. Ipil and Esparar, along with nearby barangays in Barbaza, Antique, are set to benefit from numerous opportunities for agricultural transformation and development. This comes as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Antique inaugurated and ceremonially turned over a ₱10 million farm-to-market road (FMR) on March 24, 2025.

The successful collaboration between the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Barbaza and DAR led to the completion of a 400-meter road project, funded under the Agrarian Reform Fund.

Assistant Regional Director Anthony P. Arostique of DAR Western Visayas, who led the turnover, said that the project is expected to drive further agricultural development in the remote barangays of Ipil, Esparar, Igpalje, Palma, and Jinalinan in Barbaza.

“These projects will accelerate the transportation of local farm produce to markets. Since rural infrastructure boosts agricultural productivity, its benefits extend beyond agriculture, providing better access to education, healthcare, and other essential services,” said ARD Arostique.

DAR officials handed over the symbolic key to the LGU of Barbaza, represented by Vice Mayor Emmanuel Andres, SP Member Pablito Maghari, and Engr. Timothy Sumulat, who then passed it on to the barangay captains of Ipil and Esparar. Both local leaders expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the government’s support and hoped for additional funding to complete and extend the road to reach more communities, as well as further interventions to benefit their municipalities and barangays.

In her message, DAR Antique OIC-PARPO II Geralyn E. Cañas said the projects were made possible through the support of DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III and the LGU Barbaza headed by Hon. Roberto C. Necor, to improve the overall well-being of ARBs and the entire community.

“These roads will primarily benefit a total of 772 ARBs and 6, 017 individuals providing an easy flow of transportation of farmers’ goods as well as convenience to residents,” PARPO II Cañas added.

A teary-eyed Ramon Fortit, Board Member of the Esparar Multi-Purpose Cooperative, expressed his deep gratitude to DAR for providing them with a well-paved and properly constructed road.

“We have waited for this since 1992—so many years longing for a farm-to-market road. But it was only DAR that made it possible. I couldn’t hold back my tears—tears of joy,” said Fortit.