Manila: A planned 20-percent reduction in the cost of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) is expected to allow the government to build more rural roads under the PHP33-billion allocation for FMR projects in the 2026 national budget, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan said Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan stated that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has committed to lowering FMR construction costs from about PHP18 million per kilometer to around PHP14.5 million per kilometer. This strategic move is anticipated to stretch the budget and expand road coverage across rural areas.

Pangilinan emphasized, "Pangakong nasusukat ang ibaba ang halaga ng pagpapatayo ng farm-to-market roads nang 20 percent," highlighting the public commitment made by Tiu Laurel and supported by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The reduction in construction costs is seen as crucial for ensuring that more roads are constructed with the allocated budget and that increased agricultural spending impacts the community directly.

He further stated, "Kailangang mas maraming kalye ang magawa ng PHP33-billion FMR allocation sa 2026 national budget," underscoring the necessity for the budget to result in the development of additional roads. Pangilinan also noted that improved farm-to-market connectivity should lead to higher farm incomes and more affordable consumer prices.

"Kailangang maramdaman ng mga magsasaka at mga mamimili ang mas mataas na budget para sa agrikultura," he added, stressing the importance of the budget's impact on both farmers and consumers. In light of last year's flood-control controversy, Pangilinan indicated that the public expects stricter implementation and transparency in infrastructure projects to ensure that savings from reduced costs are effectively translated into tangible benefits for farming communities.