Tarlac Farm-to-Market Roads Worth P71.52 Million Advance to Bidding Stage

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) covering four farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Concepcion, Tarlac worth P71.52 million and with a combined length of 5.43 kilometers, advancing them to the auction stage. The projects include the paving of roads in barangays Balutu, Santiago, and Castillo, as well as a road connecting the barangays of Balutu and Panalicsican. Under the agreement, the DA will set road standards, review detailed engineering designs and work programs, release and monitor funds, and track physical and financial accomplishments, with the DPWH handling procurement, contract awards, construction supervision, quality control, and contractor compliance. The agreement also tightens safeguards on project spending with procurement not allowed to proceed without a DA-issued No Objection Letter while project sites are required to undergo joint validation and geotagging. The DA said funds will be released in three tranches, with 50% of funds released after approval of project documents, followed by another 30% after liquidation, and a final 20% after an audit, final inspection, and submission of an operations and maintenance plan. The DA also encouraged public participation through FMR Watch, an online transparency portal where the public can help monitor FMR projects by tracking their progress, viewing project updates, and uploading current photos and providing feedback. The Balutu project covers 1.16 kilometers, while the Balutu-Panalicsican connector road covers 1.21 kilometers, both of which cost P14.89 million. The Castillo road project spans 1.56 kilometers and is valued at P19.85 million, while the Santiago project spans 1.51 kilometers and is worth P21.89 million. Arrey A. Perez, agriculture undersecretary for Agro-Marine Industrial Systems, assured that every project is properly implemented, delivered on time, and serves its purpose. “Every peso invested must translate into something meaningful for our people,” Mr. Perez said in a statement. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said FMRs are shortcuts to development and prosperity for farmers and rural communities, helping them reach buyers more efficiently while reducing transport constraints. “Through close coordination with the DPWH, we want these projects completed soonest so our farmers can bring their products to market more efficiently,” Mr. Laurel said.