MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved more than P2.06 billion worth of farm-to-market road and bridge projects, paving the way for the implementation of infrastructure aimed at improving farmers’ and fisherfolk’s access to markets while reducing transport costs.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the projects, primarily financed through the World Bank-backed Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) Scale-Up, will cover over 66 kilometers of farm-to-market roads and 310 linear meters of bridges in Zambales, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Samar, Bukidnon, and North Cotabato.

The approved projects form part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s agri-food supply chain by addressing infrastructure gaps that increase logistics expenses, contribute to post-harvest losses, and limit the competitiveness of agricultural producers.

“These projects are very crucial to our agri-food systems,” Tiu Laurel said.

He noted that the package includes several lengthy farm-to-market roads, with the longest spanning 26 kilometers, as well as bridges linking farming communities to commercial markets.

According to Tiu Laurel, the bridge projects are expected to have the greatest impact because they will replace river crossings that often become inaccessible or hazardous during inclement weather.

“I’m sure these projects will improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk, lower their expenses, and give them better access to markets,” he said.

Aside from roads and bridges, the PRDP Scale-Up infrastructure program also covers irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities as part of the DA’s strategy to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain.

Tiu Laurel said the PRDP Scale-Up remains one of the government’s most rigorous foreign-assisted programs due to its compliance with strict World Bank standards. Despite this, he said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed government agencies to expedite implementation to address the urgent infrastructure needs of rural communities.

The agriculture department is aiming to award all remaining PRDP projects before the end of the year.

Tiu Laurel also expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support of the country’s agriculture sector, saying the lender has indicated its willingness to expand assistance as the program progresses. He likewise encouraged local government units to develop projects that comply with World Bank requirements to facilitate faster approval.

The DA said the rollout of additional infrastructure projects is expected to improve farm connectivity, modernize post-harvest facilities, enhance irrigation systems, strengthen food supply chains, increase rural productivity, and help ease pressure on food prices.