The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing hard for the proposed Farm-to-Market Roads (FMR) Development and Equity Act that aims to bring down costs for consumers, boost earnings for producers, and unlock growth across rural economies.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that what the agricultural sector needs is a more transparent, equitable, and programmatic framework for to boost FMR investments nationwide.
In a statement released yesterday, Tiu Laurel pointed out that FMRs are not just infrastructures as they are essential lifelines that connect farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock producers to markets and economic opportunity.
“Every kilometer of FMR we build is a pathway out of poverty for rural communities,” he declared. “But with a staggering 36,000-kilometer backlog, we need a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable approach. This bill delivers that.”.
Under the proposed measure, at least 30 percent of FMR funds will be earmarked for rural areas with high poverty incidence and the balance to be directed toward key regional growth corridors identified by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, and the Regional Development Councils.
DA also said that additional priorities include major commodity production zones under its agricultural modernization plan, fisheries development areas designated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, livestock clusters under the National Livestock Program, and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, such as upland barangays and island municipalities.
“This is about ensuring that no farmer or fisherfolk is left behind just because of where they live,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA said that to systematically address the 36,000-kilometer shortfall, it is also proposing a masterplan for FMR anchored on six-year rolling implementation cycles.
The agency said the plan will align with the country’s medium-term development strategies and ensure full coordination between its Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering for planning, the Department of Public Works and Highways for construction, and local government units for integration on the ground.
A national FMR dashboard is also being proposed to provide real-time monitoring and promote transparency.
“Well-planned and properly implemented FMRs are expected to lower food prices, reduce post-harvest losses, raise farmer and fisherfolk incomes, address peace and order issues, and improve overall connectivity for remote and underserved communities, the DA said .
“Farm-to-market roads are the backbone of food security. They bring down costs for consumers, boost earnings for producers, and unlock growth across rural economies,” Tiu Laurel said.
“We cannot leave our farmers and fisherfolk stranded at the farm gate,”Tiu Laurel said. “This legislation lays not just physical roads, but a stronger foundation for food security, equity, and national development.”
In January 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the government so far has already completed 51 percent or 67,328.92 kilometers (km) of the target 131,410.66 km of the government’s FMR program within six years.
