President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reported that the government has already built 51% (or 67,328 kilometers) of its target farm-to-market roads nationwide.
In a short video, President Marcos said the administration’s target for its Farm-to-Road Network program was 131,410.66 kilometers for the next six years.
“We have built 67,328 kilometers, which is equivalent to going back and forth from Aparri to Jolo 32 times, so this is really long,” the President said.
The President reassured the public that the administration would continue working toward completing the target of 131,410.66 kilometers before the end of his term.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr meanwhile said he welcomes the support from private sectors for increased spending on agricultural infrastructure and mechanization to hasten the farm sector’s modernization, increase productivity, and ensure the country is food secure.
“If we can work together well, then I think we can move forward faster,” Laurel said in a forum that gathered regional agricultural and fisheries councils as they submit their recommendations to the agriculture secretary.
The recommendations presented by the councils were varied and included issues affecting the production of rice, fish and other aquatic resources, poultry and livestock, corn and feed crops, high-value crops including rubber and fiber crops, coconut, as well as domestic trade and mechanization.
Among the recommendations of the regional councils involve the establishment of cold storage facilities for vegetables, including onions, as well as laboratories for biosecurity concerns; construction of farm-to-market roads or other modes for faster movement of agricultural products; conversion of rice competitive enhancement funds to rice price subsidy; and mechanization of farm processes,
Laurel said the dialogue with regional councils gave him a clearer perspective on how to pursue agricultural modernization.
The DA is finalizing the 10-point agenda to address issues holding back the progress of the country’s farm sector and its stakeholders.