P16B for farm-to-market roads in 2027 budget insufficient – DA chief

MANILA, Philippines — The proposed P16 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects for 2027 is insufficient to cover the thousands of kilometers needed under the system, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said on Tuesday. Laurel made the statement during the House committee on appropriations’ briefing on the proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture. He said that the P16 billion budget for FMRs would not be enough to cover the thousands of kilometers needed. The FMRs are crucial for the efficient transport of agricultural products from production areas to markets. Delays in their development can directly lead to increased distribution costs and depressed farmer incomes. In the Philippines, particularly in rural areas, underdeveloped road networks contribute to the deterioration of agricultural product quality and limit market access, posing a pressing challenge to improving agricultural productivity and revitalizing rural economies. Laurel’s remarks during the budget hearing highlight the gap between fiscal constraints in infrastructure development and the investment required to foster growth in the agricultural sector. The government has identified FMR development as a priority in its national development plan, but securing adequate funding and ensuring efficient execution will be key challenges moving forward. The development of infrastructure essential for the nation’s food security and the improvement of rural livelihoods requires ongoing discussion and support. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo