The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region VI has commenced the site validation and feasibility study of the proposed Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka or the PBBM Bridge, a priority infrastructure project aimed at supporting Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) across the region.

The site validation activities are being conducted from April 7 to 15, 2025, simultaneously in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

As part of the ongoing feasibility study, verification is being carried out through the collection of necessary data on the proposed sites, in close coordination with the concerned Municipal Local Government Units (LGUs). This ensures that all technical, environmental, and social aspects of the project areas are considered in the study.

Most LGUs expressed optimism about the realization of the project, seeing the bridge as a vital infrastructure that will improve the lives of ARBs in Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs). Once completed, the bridges are expected to enhance accessibility, mobility, and market linkages of farmer-beneficiaries, thus promoting rural development and economic growth in their communities.

The PBBM Bridge Project forms part of the nine-point agenda of DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, which focuses on providing infrastructure services to ARBs in ARCs. This initiative also aligns with the national government’s Build, Better, More (BBM) Program under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., aiming to address critical infrastructure gaps and promote sustainable development in the countryside.

DAR Region VI remains committed to supporting ARBs and strengthening partnerships with local government units and development partners to bring more infrastructure programs closer to the farming communities.