Baguio city: The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Cordillera Region expressed its preparedness to undertake the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) if the responsibility is formally transferred from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). DA-Cordillera Director Jennilyn Dawayan highlighted the agency's readiness, citing the experience of its personnel in road construction through special projects, including the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), which features numerous road components.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dawayan stated that if the General Appropriations Act (GAA) designates the DA as the implementer for constructing farm-to-market roads, the agency is well-prepared to take on the task. She noted that some of the DA's staff have gained relevant experience through the department's special projects. Dawayan emphasized that the PRDP's stringent monitoring, supported by an international funding agency, ensures transparent processes and full accountability.
Discussions between the DA and DPWH are ongoing, focusing on costing, implementation arrangements, and acceptance guidelines. Consultations are being held to establish transparency measures, form an FMR watch group, define implementation roles between the DA and local government units (LGUs), and assess which LGUs possess the technical capacity to handle projects. The consideration of a third-party monitoring team is also underway.
Dawayan clarified that the plans are still in the preliminary stages and will depend on the final version of the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The DA-Cordillera's FMR unit, which operates under special projects, currently has limited personnel and will require additional staff if the mandate is transferred. Under the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program, PHP700 million is allocated to the DA for FMRs, although the final budget will be determined by the enacted budget.
The PRDP has also announced a PHP140.9 million project to upgrade the 6.62-kilometer Bannit-Nunhabatan-Hapid FMR in Lamut, Ifugao. This project will serve Barangays Payawan and Hapid, benefiting 796 households, or 2,956 individuals. With cardava banana production being a prominent industry in the area, the improved road is expected to enhance transport conditions, reduce travel time, and ensure fresher produce reaches markets. The project also aims to revive and expand previously abandoned banana-growing areas.
