MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) will assume responsibility for developing farm-to-market roads (FMRs) from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) starting 2026, in a move aimed at ensuring that road projects directly benefit farming communities.

The transition marks a more focused approach to building agricultural infrastructure intended to boost rural economies, lower production costs, and improve farmers’ access to markets.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon met on Tuesday to review audits of previous FMR projects and assess whether any were compromised. They also discussed pending projects for 2025, which the DPWH aims to complete under a catch-up plan.

“These roads are badly needed by our farmers and fisherfolk. They will ease livelihoods, lower production costs, and give farmers more time with their families,” Tiu Laurel said.

“There are roughly 1,000 kilometers of FMRs that still need construction in 2025. We must think outside the box to ensure these roads are completed as quickly as possible. Local government units will be engaged, similar to our approach with classrooms,” Dizon added.

The DA is preparing for the transition next year following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to deliver infrastructure swiftly and at the right cost. The 2025 catch-up plan will serve as the blueprint for how the DA will handle future road projects.

At a recent Senate hearing, Tiu Laurel cited a new technology that could significantly reduce FMR construction costs. He also noted that the current backlog of 60,000 kilometers of FMRs could take six decades to finish at the present pace.

The DA will also coordinate with National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to mobilize the Army Corps of Engineers for the program.

On the audit side, Dizon said that of nearly 1,000 kilometers of FMRs inspected by the DA out of more than 4,000 kilometers built in recent years, some short stretches may warrant the filing of cases before the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission on Infrastructure to hold erring contractors and officials accountable.