The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed support for Zamboanga del Sur’s proposal to partner on farm-to-market road (FMR) projects, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said, citing the need to fast-track rural infrastructure that lowers costs and raises farmers’ incomes.
The move comes as FMR responsibility returns to the DA from the Department of Public Works and Highways. Congress has doubled the FMR budget to P33 billion for 2026, enough to build at least 2,200 kilometers of farm roads nationwide. Zamboanga del Sur has identified 26 priority projects across 21 municipalities, including Pagadian City, with a total cost of P370 million.
Governor Divina Grace C. Yu said the partnership will strengthen transparency and speed up delivery. The province plans to form a dedicated monitoring unit, submit regular progress and disbursement reports, and comply with government accounting and procurement rules. The DA added it will roll out an online monitoring portal and involve citizen groups to ensure projects are completed on time and to standard.
