MANILA—Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan introduced new transparency mechanisms and digital governance initiatives for the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), saying the reforms aim to strengthen accountability and ensure that government programs deliver measurable improvements for farmers, fisherfolk, and rural communities.

In a manifestation on December 2, Pangilinan said both agencies are preparing to launch an infrastructure transparency dashboard that will allow the public to track every farm-to-market road and bridge project alongside its budget and timeline.

“Mas madali nang makita ng tao kung saan napupunta ang pera nila. That is evidence of good governance (and) transparency. Ganito magtrabaho dapat sa badyet ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform and serves as vice chair of the Subcommittee J of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the initiative forms part of sustained efforts to promote transparency in sectors long burdened by slow implementation and accountability gaps.

Pangilinan said the agencies will also roll out a citizen participatory audit program with the Commission on Audit (COA), enabling real-time public monitoring of projects.

“Kapag may taya at may pananagutan, mas maayos ang gawa at walang nasasayang,” he added.

The senator likewise outlined special provisions tied to the milk-feeding program of the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), both attached agencies under the DA.

“To ensure transparency and proper fund management, the department proposes special provisions mandating separate accounting for milk-feeding funds and the submission of implementation and fund utilization reports to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Appropriations within 30 days from the start of implementation and every quarter thereafter,” he said during budget amendments.

The DA earlier backed the transfer of the milk-feeding component of the Department of Education’s school-based feeding program to the NDA and PCC.

Pangilinan, a long-time advocate of good governance, welcomed broader efforts to strengthen internal audit systems, enhance public access to procurement and project data, and adopt digital tools to reduce red tape and curb irregularities.

He also encouraged civil society organizations and the public to actively participate in monitoring government initiatives and pushing for accountability.