Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a watchdog unit to enhance transparency and accountability in rural infrastructure projects, with a focus on farm-to-market roads (FMRs).
According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the creation of the Interim Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit as part of the DA's commitment to ensure that all infrastructure projects adhere to environmental and social standards. 'The recent controversy surrounding flood control projects underscores why we need a strong safeguards system,' Tiu Laurel stated. 'We cannot afford gray areas or blind spots. This watchdog unit ensures that every DA project is transparent, accountable, and fully aligned with environmental and social standards.'
The responsibility for overseeing FMRs will revert to the DA from the Department of Public Works and Highways starting next year. With this transition, the DA will manage the extensive development of rural roads, with over 60,000 kilometers yet to be constructed out of the 131,000 kilometers identified in the national FMR network plan.
These infrastructure projects aim to enhance connectivity, reduce transportation costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and improve the distribution of agricultural goods. Beyond FMRs, the DA is expanding its infrastructure projects to include food hubs, cold storage facilities, and rice mills. The agency also highlighted France's commitment to support the construction of approximately 300 steel bridges across 52 provinces, improving access for farmers in remote areas.
The SES Unit institutionalizes safeguard mechanisms initially developed under the World Bank-supported Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), including environmental assessments, social risk reviews, and stakeholder engagement protocols. These tools will be implemented across DA offices, bureaus, attached agencies, and regional field units as the agency promotes climate-resilient programs.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that the SES Unit will develop a department-wide SES roadmap, harmonize standards, integrate safeguards into planning and procurement processes, and reinforce compliance with national regulations. This initiative aligns with the World Bank's recommendation under the PRDP scale-up to establish permanent safeguards posts for continuity.
The administrative order for the SES Unit has taken effect immediately, marking a significant step in the DA's efforts to advance 'sustainable, accountable, and community-protective' agricultural development.
