The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are moving P71.52 million worth of farm-to-market road projects in Concepcion, Tarlac to the bidding stage, strengthening transport links between farming communities and markets.
The two agencies signed on Thursday, September 10, a memorandum of agreement covering four projects with a combined length of 5.43 kilometers under the 2026 Farm-to-Market Road Development Program. The projects include the concreting of roads in Barangays Balutu, Santiago, and Castillo, as well as a road connecting Balutu and Panalicsican.
The Balutu project covers 1.16 kilometers and costs P14.89 million, while the Santiago road spans 1.51 kilometers with an allocation of P21.89 million. The Castillo project covers 1.56 kilometers and is worth P19.85 million, while the Balutu-Panalicsican road spans 1.21 kilometers and costs P14.89 million.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said farm-to-market roads can help farmers reach buyers more efficiently while reducing transport constraints that can raise costs and limit access to markets.
“Farm-to-market roads are shortcuts for the development and prosperity for our farmers and rural communities,” Tiu Laurel said. “Through close cooperation with DPWH, we want these projects completed soonest so our farmers can bring their products to market more efficiently.”
Under the agreement, DA will set road standards, review detailed engineering designs and programs of work, release and monitor funds, and track physical and financial accomplishments. DPWH will handle procurement, contract awards, construction supervision, quality control, and contractor compliance. The agreement also tightens safeguards on project spending.
Procurement cannot proceed without a DA-issued No Objection Letter, while project sites must undergo joint validation and geotagging.
Let us make sure that every project is properly implemented, delivered on time, and serves its purpose. Every peso invested must translate into something meaningful for our people. Undersecretary Arrey Perez said.
Funds will be released in three tranches, with 50 percent released after approval of project documents, followed by 30 percent after liquidation and the final 20 percent after an audit, final inspection, and submission of an operations and maintenance plan. The DA also encourages public participation through FMR Watch, its online transparency portal where citizens can track the progress of farm-to-market road projects, view project updates, and upload current photos and feedback to help monitor implementation.
A third-party audit will be required before final payment, while DA, DPWH, and local governments will jointly oversee final inspection and turnover.
With the agreement signed, DPWH can proceed with bidding, bringing the projects closer to construction and eventual use by farmers and rural communities.
