Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) is poised to expedite the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) at reduced costs beginning next year. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced this initiative, contingent on the DA assuming control of the government's FMR program currently managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel emphasized that if Congress approves the 2026 national budget, the DA can leverage savings to construct more roads. This would assist farmers and fisherfolk in reducing production expenses, accessing markets more swiftly, increasing earnings, and ultimately lowering food prices. The agency anticipates lowering construction costs by at least 20 percent through enhanced project management and the integration of innovative technologies.

The projected reduction in costs could decrease each FMR project's expense to PHP12 million or less, depending on the adoption of alternative construction methods and soil stabilizers in appropriate areas. Tiu Laurel expressed optimism that accelerating FMR construction will provide direct benefits to Filipino farmers and consumers.

The DA states that, at the current pace, completing all target FMRs could take up to 60 years. However, Tiu Laurel believes that with enhanced coordination and efficient spending, this timeframe could be halved. He stated, "Every road we build brings us closer to making farming truly profitable and food more affordable for every Filipino."

To ensure efficient and transparent processes, the DA plans to work closely with local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Army's Corps of Engineers, and civil society organizations. Tiu Laurel stressed the importance of ensuring that every peso is spent on tangible road projects that genuinely benefit farmers, rather than being lost to corruption.

Currently, approximately 70,000 kilometers of FMRs have been completed out of a total potential of 131,000 kilometers nationwide. In response to a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives has realigned the government's flood control budget to support agricultural infrastructure. For 2026, lawmakers have proposed doubling the budget for FMR projects to PHP32 billion, up from the initial PHP16 billion, which would have covered about 1,000 kilometers of rural roads.