Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Monday the approval of more than PHP2.06 billion in funding for farm-to-market road and bridge projects across the Philippines. This initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural infrastructure and support Filipino farmers and fishers.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that these projects are designed to strengthen the country's agricultural supply chain and improve market access. He noted the transformative impact of bridges, which replace river crossings that are often inaccessible during adverse weather conditions. The infrastructure projects encompass over 66 km of roads and 310 linear meters of bridges across several provinces, including Zambales, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Samar, Bukidnon, and North Cotabato, with the longest project extending 26 km.

These initiatives are funded primarily through the World Bank-supported Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) Scale-Up. Secretary Tiu Laurel expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support and mentioned the bank's interest in expanding its assistance as the program progresses. He also encouraged local government units to prepare projects that align with World Bank standards to expedite future approvals.

In addition to roads and bridges, the PRDP Scale-Up's infrastructure package includes irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities, further contributing to the development of the country's agricultural sector.