News Details

DA to Lead Farm-to-Market Road Development in 2026 for Stronger, Faster Rural Growth

NPO

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October 29, 2025

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) will officially take the helm from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2026 for the development of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) — key infrastructure designed to boost rural economies, reduce production costs, and connect farmers directly to markets.

The transition marks a major policy shift aimed at giving agriculture-focused agencies full control over the country’s farm access infrastructure, ensuring that every kilometer of road built will directly support and uplift farming and fishing communities.

DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon met Tuesday to review audits of completed FMR projects and discuss pending 2025 initiatives under a catch-up plan that DPWH has committed to finish 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,”
— Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Secretary Dizon emphasized the urgency of completing the remaining 1,000 kilometers of FMRs scheduled for 2025.

“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,”
— Secretary Vince Dizon

The DA is now preparing for a smooth handover next year, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to deliver infrastructure projects swiftly, efficiently, and at the right cost. The 2025 catch-up plan will act as the blueprint for the DA’s future FMR implementation.

During a recent Senate hearing, Secretary Tiu Laurel revealed that new construction technologies could significantly cut FMR costs — a vital development considering the current backlog of 60,000 kilometers, which, at the existing pace, would take up to 60 years to complete.

To accelerate progress, the DA will partner with local government units and coordinate with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to mobilize the Army Corps of Engineers for direct construction support.

On the accountability front, Secretary Dizon confirmed that of nearly 1,000 kilometers of roads audited by the DA out of over 4,000 kilometers completed in recent years, several short sections were flagged for possible irregularities.
He said cases may be elevated to the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission on Infrastructure to hold unscrupulous contractors and officials accountable.

This new inter-agency collaboration signals a renewed commitment to building efficient, transparent, and farmer-centered infrastructure, laying the groundwork for a more productive and connected Philippine countryside.

— NPO News Team | DA-PR