The Department of Agriculture will take over starting 2026 from the Department of Public Works and Highways the development of farm-to-market roads—vital infrastructure that drives rural economies, lowers production costs, and brings prosperity to the countryside.
The move signals a more focused approach to agricultural lifelines, ensuring every kilometer built directly supports farming communities.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon met on Tuesday to review audits of past FMR projects, assessing whether any were compromised. Their discussion also covered pending projects slated for 2025, which the DPWH proposed to complete under a catch-up plan.
“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 Tiu Laurel said.
“There are roughly 1,000 kilometers of FMRs that still need construction in 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 Dizon added.
The DA is already preparing for the DPWH handover next year, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to deliver infrastructure swiftly and at the right cost. The 2025 catch-up plan will serve as the blueprint on how the DA will undertake the road projects.
At a recent Senate hearing, Tiu Laurel highlighted a new technology that could significantly cut FMR construction costs . He also noted that the backlog of FMRs totals 60,000 kilometers—a distance that would take six decades to complete at the current pace.
Aside from LGUs, the DA will also coordinate with National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to enlist the Army Corps of Engineers in the effort.
On the audit front, Secretary Dizon said that of the nearly 1,000 kilometers of FMRs inspected by the DA out of over 4,000 kilometers built in recent years, a few short stretches may require cases to be filed with the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission on Infrastructure to hold unscrupulous contractors and officials accountable.
