DA vows faster construction of cost-efficient FMRs starting 2026

By Stephanie Sevillano, Philippine News Agency

(Pexels photo)

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning to accelerate the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) at significantly lower costs starting next year.

In a statement on Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative will become feasible once the DA takes over the government’s FMR program from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“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,” he said.

Tiu-Laurel said the agency expects to reduce construction costs by at least 20 percent through improved project management and the use of innovative technologies.

This would bring the cost of each FMR project down to PHP12 million or less, depending on the use of alternative construction methods and soil stabilizers in suitable locations, he said.

He expressed optimism that accelerating the construction of FMRs will directly benefit Filipino farmers and consumers.

At the current pace, completing all target FMRs could take up to 60 years, according to the DA.

“We can cut that time in half with stronger coordination and smarter spending… Every road we build brings us closer to making farming truly profitable and food more affordable for every Filipino,” he said.

To ensure efficiency and transparency, the DA will coordinate 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.

Currently, around 70,000 kilometers Of FMRs have been completed out of the 131,000 kilometers of total potential projects nationwide.

Earlier, the House of Representatives realigned the government’s flood control budget to fund agricultural infrastructure, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

For 2026, lawmakers have doubled the proposed budget for FMR projects to PHP32 billion — up from the initial PHP16 billion, which would have covered about 1,000 kilometers of rural roads.