THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has formally accepted the Senate’s challenge to take the lead in farm-to-market road (FMR) projects. a role long held by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing for the DA’s proposed 2026 budget on Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. declared the agency’s readiness to spearhead the construction of vital infrastructure projects designed to boost rural development, increase farmers’ incomes, and ensure a steady supply of affordable food.
“At the last Senate hearing on the Department of Agriculture’s 2026 budget, we were issued a direct challenge: to take charge of farm-to-market road projects ourselves. Instinct tells us to steer clear. To play it safe. But this is no time for hesitation… and so, we rise to meet the moment,” Laurel said.
Alluding to the controversy surrounding the DPWH over various infrastructure projects, the DA’s move responds to concerns over alleged misuse of public funds in previous FMR projects managed by the DPWH.
During a previous budget hearing, finance committee chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian flagged potential overpricing of up to P10 billion in the construction of 70,000 kilometers of roads which he said is enough to fund a two-lane highway from Manila to Aparri.
Gatchalian welcomed the DA’s decision to over the FM program independently, expressing confidence that Laurel’s private sector experience could help lower construction costs and expand the program’s reach.
Senator Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, expressed hopes that the DA would deliver improved results in constructing FMRs.
“As they say, in crisis there is opportunity. Hopefully, moving forward, we can make the most out of every peso allocated to the DA and its attached agencies, and ensure it is money well spent,” he said.
Laurel emphasized that the DA will not undertake the task alone, as he seeks close collaboration with local government units, farmers’ groups, and third-party auditors and surveyors to ensure transparency, accountability, and community alignment.
“This mandate is too large, too critical, and too prone to misuse to be entrusted to a single agency. For the nation, we will not turn our back on this timely challenge,” he said.
