Tarlac to Get P71.5 Million in Farm-to-Market Roads

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are set to construct P71.5 million worth of farm-to-market roads in Tarlac. The DA and the DPWH signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) covering four projects in Tarlac, spanning a total of 5.43 kilometers. Funding for the projects are covered under the 2026 Farm-to-Market Road Development Program. The project includes the concreting of roads in Barangays Balutu, Santiago and Castillo, as well as the construction of roads connecting Balutu and Panalicsican. The DPWH will manage the bidding process for these projects. The Balutu road project spans 1.16 kilometers with a total cost of P14.89 million, while the Santiago project covers 1.51 kilometers at P21.89 million. The Castillo project extends 1.56 kilometers with funding of P19.85 million, while the Balutu-Panalicsican project spans 1.21 kilometers with an estimated cost of P14.89 million. Under the MOA, the DA will set road standards, review detailed engineering designs and programs of work, release and monitor funds and track physical and financial accomplishments. On the other hand, the DPWH will handle procurement, contract awards, construction supervision, quality control and contractor compliance. The agreement strengthens controls on project spending, requiring a DA-issued No Objection Letter before procurement can proceed. Project sites must also undergo joint validation and geotagging. It also states that funds will be released in tranches, 50 percent of the funding will be issued after approval of project documents, followed by 30 percent after liquidation and the final 20 percent after an audit, final inspection and submission of an operations and maintenance plan. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the construction of farm-to-market roads could support farmers in reaching buyers and reduce transport constraints that could affect prices. “Through close cooperation with DPWH, we want these projects completed soonest so our farmers can bring their products to market more efficiently,” he added. Under the 2026 national spending plan, the DA was allocated P33 billion for farm-to-market road projects. Source: Philstar Business