MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects to save at least 20 percent in construction costs when it assumes responsibility for the farm-to-market road (FMR) program from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) starting next year, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced.

“If Congress allows us under the 2026 national budget, we can use those savings to build more roads—helping farmers and fisherfolk cut production costs, reach markets faster, earn more, and ultimately lower food prices,” Tiu Laurel said.

Currently, constructing a kilometer of concrete, two-lane FMR costs around P15 million. The DA’s internal management and adoption of new technologies, including soil stabilizers where applicable, could reduce this to P12 million or lower, Tiu Laurel noted.

The Marcos administration initially proposed P16 billion for FMR projects in 2026, which would cover roughly 1,000 kilometers of rural roads. Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to realign flood-control funds to priority agricultural infrastructure, the House of Representatives has doubled the allocation to P32 billion.

With the increased budget and cost-saving measures, the DA aims to accelerate market connectivity for rural producers, boosting farm incomes and helping stabilize food prices for consumers.

To ensure transparency and efficient use of funds, Tiu Laurel said the DA will coordinate closely with local governments, civil society organizations, and the Philippine Army’s Corps of Engineers. “We want every peso to go to real roads that benefit real farmers—not into the pockets of corrupt officials,” he stressed.

The DA’s master plan identifies around 131,000 kilometers of potential FMRs nationwide, with roughly 70,000 kilometers already completed. At the current pace, full completion could take 60 years.

“We can cut that time in half with stronger coordination and smarter spending,” Tiu Laurel said. “Every road we build brings us closer to making farming truly profitable and food more affordable for every Filipino.”