Budget Dept releases P1.6B to DA for farm-to-market road repair

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.6 billion to the Department of Agriculture for the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads nationwide.

P1.38 billion of the amount was sourced from continuing appropriations under the 2012 General Appropriations Act. The remaining P214.33 million will be charged against savings generated by DA’s regional field units (RFUs) and allocated to field units that need more funds.

All the regions will receive funds, with Region 4 being allocated P394.75 million, the largest share.

"The development of farm-to-market roads will help expand our farmers’ capacity to sell their goods and gain access to a larger commercial base," said Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad.

“With this release, the DA can begin rehabilitating damaged farm-to-market roads, as well as develop new ones that will open up fresh routes for trade and commerce. Greater access to public markets will help minimize the risk of crop and food spoilage, which used to be aggravated by longer and inefficient transport routes,” he added. — BM, GMA News