Presentation script

P299

Slide1 – with face

Hello and good day! This presentation is for the fulfillment of the requirements for P299 Research Methods in
Planning, under the Diploma in Land Use Planning program of the University of the Philippines – Open University.

Before we begin allow me to introduce myself.

Slide 2- with face

I'm Wilbert Geno S. Viernes, the Planning Officer III from the Municipal Planning and Development Office of the
Municipality of Plaridel, Bulacan. At present, I’m taking up diploma in land use planning at the Open University.

Slide 3

My research topic is about the Contribution of Farm-to-Market Roads to the Stakeholders in Plaridel, Bulacan.

Slide 4

On this research we will discuss about the overview of the research topic, objectives of the research, conceptual
framework, methodology and the expected output.

Slide 5

Plaridel is a first-class municipality in the province of Bulacan, located in the western region of the country and
about 36 kilometers north of Manila with 19 barangays. The Municipality of Plaridel is a part of the triangular
cluster of growth hubs within the Province of Bulacan, which includes the Malolos-Meycauayan Urban Core, the
Norzagaray-San Jose Del Monte Growth Corridor, and the Plaridel-Baliuag Growth Corridor. Aside from that, it
serves adjacent LGUs by providing access to marketplaces and commercial centers, as well as health services and
transit linkages.

Slide 6

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Plaridel has a population of 107,805 in 2015. Plaridel was
ranked 12th most populous among cities and municipalities in the province of Bulacan.

Agriculture is the main industry of the municipality with 83.81% of the land, or 39,080.50 hectares is used for
agricultural production and employs at least 1,272 farmers. 18 out of 19 barangays in Plaridel has rice farms, while
all barangays have mango farms.

As an agricultural municipality, it is imperative for the local government to provide support to further expand its
agricultural production and productivity. One of the strategies is through an effective road network to bring the
agricultural products directly to the markets. As of 2020, Plaridel has 64 number of farm-to-market roads.

Slide 7

Because of this, as a researcher, I would like to find out what are the actual improvements did the farm-to-market
roads contribute to the stakeholders? Were there negative impacts as well as positive? And were stakeholders able to
utilize the farm-to-market roads according to its intended purpose?

Slide 8
This research aims to determine the impacts of farm-to-market roads to stakeholders in Plaridel, Bulacan in terms
(1) of time spent in the transport of agricultural products, (2) operational expenses like use of fuel, manpower
requirements, machineries and equipment utilization, (3) longevity of shelf life of produce, and (4) safety of
transportation. As the farm-to-market roads are the link from production areas to the market, the above factors fall
under the efficiency of transporting agricultural products stated under the infrastructure development component of
the Philippine Rural Development Project.

Further, this research would like to establish if given the proposed benefits of farm-to-market roads, these projects
are being utilized for its purpose and identify the actual improvements it created for stakeholders.

Slide 9

Now let's proceed to the methodology. For the research design we will be using the research method known as the
mixed method.

The study will use quantitative method to emphasize the statistical and numerical analysis of the data to be collected
from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways, and from the local government
unit of Plaridel. This will focus on the criteria and guidelines on the implementation of FTM roads and includes
determining where to build the FTM roads, the specifics on its length and width, and the volume of agricultural
produce in the area of implementation.

In addition to this, a descriptive research design will also be used to provide an interpretation of the stakeholders’
perception on the impact of FTM roads. It also seeks to explore if the project implementation criteria and guidelines
are responsive to the actual needs and supports the welfare of the stakeholders.

Data gathering for this research will be done through a survey (consisting of profiling Likert scale and open-ended
questions) to understand the general opinion of the stakeholders on the farm-to-market roads. A survey
questionnaire will be distributed in-person or online to a sample group of farm-to-market road users. Time-
permitting, interviews or focus group discussions will also be initiated.

Secondary sources to provide data regarding the existing FTM roads in Plaridel, Bulacan will also be tapped and
collected from national and local government agencies.

Slide 10

Finally, we move to the expected output.

This research intends to document the impact of farm-to-market road projects in our municipality as there is no
study specific to Plaridel, Bulacan.

There are four major outcomes that this research designs to achieve. For the first major outcome, the study will
determine the transport time of the agricultural products from production areas to the market since one of the
hallmark features of farm-to-market road projects is reduced travel time. The second major outcome will also follow
as operational expenses are anticipated to proportionally decrease. Post-harvest losses guarantee improved income
for farmers and the improvement of agricultural product’s shelf life is key for the third major outcome. Lastly, the
safety of transport will boost community growth.

Further, the final output of this research will provide substantial information to help the LGU manage and regulate
the construction and implementation of farm-to-market roads. This will also serve as a feedback mechanism to
national government agencies straight from stakeholders.

Slide 11
I hope that this presentation provided necessary information on my research proposal on farm-to-market roads in
Plaridel, Bulacan. Thank you very much.

Again, I’m Wilbert Geno S. Viernes. Stay safe everyone and God bless.