INTRODUCTION

Agricultural transport is considered as a significant factor involved in the progress of

agricultural aspect of the country, most specifically in the rural areas. It is the only means by

which food and agricultural crops produced at farm site is moved to different homes as well as

markets. Transport creates market for agricultural produce, enhances interaction among

geographical and economic regions and opens up new areas to economic focus.

Poor transportation in the rural areas has resulted in low productivity, low income and a

decrease in the standard of living of rural residents and high rate of poverty (Aloba, 1986). When

the distance of farm to the market is far and the road is rough, perishable crops may be damaged

and farmers may run at a loss.

The Province of Cotabato is a one of the top producers of agricultural products in the

country such as palm oil, rubber, corn, rice, livestock, various fruits and more. Among the 17

municipalities of the Province of Cotabato, the Municipality of Aleosan, which consists of 19

barangays, is known for its rich agricultural lands. Although the municipality has high

production rates and sizeable farmlands devoted to agriculture, several farm to market roads have

not been fully developed. This causes poor transport of goods and high cost of transportation.

High cost of transportation would translate to high selling price and if the price is too high when

compared with other farmers from other areas, customers will not buy and this may result to

selling at a loss. Not only farm-to-market roads can improve the efficiency of transport of goods,

but also it can enhance the standard of living of the local community especially the students who

travel from remote areas to their educational institutions.

 The Farm-to-Market road project will connect all access roads in all barangays of the

neighbouring towns which could provide benefit and comfort to the people in travelling their

goods and products to the town proper. The primary objective of the project is to provide

adequate and better road network to the residence.