The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has no farm-to-market roads scheduled for construction this year in MIMAROPA region, despite military calls for improved infrastructure to combat communist insurgents in Mindoro.

Aubrey Maris Dumol from the DPWH revealed the absence of rural road projects during a recent Regional Peace and Order Council meeting, even as military officials argued that better road networks are essential for fighting the New People’s Army (NPA).

Major General Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, told the council that improved infrastructure could help secure barangays threatened by insurgents while spurring economic development.

“Improved road networks are seen as crucial for both economic development and peace-building efforts in these vulnerable areas,” Balaoro said.

The council agreed to prioritize major projects including a road linking Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro to Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro, and circumferential roads in Sablayan and Victoria municipalities.

However, the lack of farm-to-market roads — which directly connect rural communities to markets — reveals gaps in current infrastructure planning for the insurgency-affected region.

Juan Fernandez, representing Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr., called for better coordination between agencies.

“We need to clearly identify the problems and the specific projects that must be prioritized and endorsed to the Office of the President through NEDA,” Fernandez said.

The New People’s Army, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has waged one of Asia’s longest insurgencies. The Philippine military says around 1,100 or fewer guerrilla fighters remain active nationwide as of November 2024.

Armed clashes between government forces and the NPA continued throughout 2024 in MIMAROPA, which covers Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan provinces.

Officials plan to discuss all vital road infrastructure for Mindoro Island in their next meeting, focusing on areas where the NPA maintains influence.

File photo courtesy of DPWH Ilocos Norte (used for illustration purposes only)