By Ma. Teresa Montemayor | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Agriculture (D.A.) will assume responsibility for the development of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) starting 2026, taking over from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure a more focused, agriculture-centered approach in building rural infrastructure.
In a news release on Wednesday, the agency disclosed that Agriculture Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Vince Dizon met on Tuesday to review audit results of completed FMR projects and discuss pending constructions scheduled for 2025.
The DPWH has proposed a catch-up plan to finish about 1,000 kilometers of remaining FMRs before the transition.
“These roads are badly needed by our farmers and fisherfolk. They will ease livelihoods, lower production costs, and give farmers more time with their families,” Laurel said.
Meanwhile, Dizon said innovative measures will be adopted to expedite completion.
“We must think outside the box to ensure these roads are completed as quickly as possible. Local government units will be engaged, similar to our approach with classrooms,” he said.
The shift follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to deliver infrastructure projects efficiently and cost-effectively. The 2025 catch-up plan will serve as the template for D.A.’s implementation once the turnover is completed.
At a recent Senate hearing, Tiu Laurel noted that the country faces a backlog of about 60,000 kilometers of FMRs, an undertaking that could take six decades to complete at the current pace.
He said the D.A. is exploring new construction technologies that could significantly reduce costs and accelerate development.
The D.A. also plans to collaborate with the Department of National Defense to enlist the support of the Army Corps of Engineers for road construction and rehabilitation.
Dizon, meanwhile, noted that 4,000 kilometers of FMRs have been built in recent years. Of which, almost 1,000 kilometers include short stretches that may be subject to administrative and legal action.
