News Details

DA Targets Cheaper, Faster Farm-to-Market Road Construction by 2026

NPO

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November 14, 2025

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to fast-track and significantly reduce the cost of farm-to-market road (FMR) construction beginning next year, as part of efforts to boost productivity and improve market access for farmers and fisherfolk.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday that the initiative will be achievable once the DA assumes responsibility for the national FMR program, which currently falls under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“If Congress allows us under the 2026 national budget, we can use those savings to build more roads—helping farmers and fisherfolk cut production costs, reach markets faster, earn more, and ultimately lower food prices,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA aims to reduce construction expenses by at least 20 percent through better project management and the use of innovative building technologies. This could lower the cost of each FMR project to around PHP12 million or less, depending on terrain conditions and the possible use of soil stabilizers and alternative construction methods.

At the current rate of implementation, the DA estimates that completing all targeted FMRs could take up to 60 years. Tiu Laurel said improved coordination and smarter spending could cut that timeline by half.

“Every road we build brings us closer to making farming truly profitable and food more affordable for every Filipino,” he added.

To ensure transparency and timely delivery, the DA will work closely with local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Army’s Corps of Engineers, and civil society organizations.

“We want every peso to go to real roads that benefit real farmers—not into the pockets of corrupt officials,” Tiu Laurel said.

Of the 131,000 kilometers of potential FMR projects nationwide, around 70,000 kilometers have been completed to date.

In support of the administration’s push for agricultural development, the House of Representatives earlier realigned funds from the national flood control program to boost rural infrastructure. For 2026, lawmakers doubled the proposed FMR budget to PHP32 billion, up from the original PHP16 billion, which would have constructed about 1,000 kilometers of new rural roads.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR