DA pushes for farm-to-market roads law

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said it is calling for congressional support for the proposed Farm-to-Market Roads (FMR) Development and Equity Act.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., in calling for the passage of the FMR Development and Equity Act, said farm-to-market roads “are not just infrastructures—they are essential lifelines that connect farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock producers to markets and economic opportunity.”

“Every kilometer of FMR we build is a pathway out of poverty for rural communities. But with a staggering 36,000-kilometer backlog, we need a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable approach. This bill delivers that,” Tiu Laurel said.

The Agriculture chief said that at least 30% of FMR funds, under the proposed measure, “will be earmarked for rural areas with high poverty incidence.”

The balance will be directed toward key regional growth corridors identified by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development and the Regional Development Councils. 

Also under the proposed measure, other priorities include major commodity production zones under the DA’s agricultural modernization plan, fisheries development areas designated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, livestock clusters under the National Livestock Program, and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), such as upland barangays and island municipalities.

“This is about ensuring no farmer or fisherfolk is left behind just because of where they live,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA chief said there are about 36,000 kilometers of FRM shortfall.

To address the gap, Tiu Laurel said the Agriculture Department is also proposing an FMR master plan “anchored in six-year rolling implementation cycles.”

The master plan will align with the country’s medium-term development strategies and ensure full coordination between DA-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering for planning, the Department of Public Works and Highways for construction, and local government units for integration on the ground. 

A National FMR Dashboard will also be established to provide real-time monitoring and promote transparency.

Well-planned and properly implemented FMRs are expected to lower food prices, reduce post-harvest losses, raise farmer and fisherfolk incomes, address peace and order issues, and improve overall connectivity for remote and underserved communities.

“Farm-to-market roads are the backbone of food security. They bring down costs for consumers, boost earnings for producers, and unlock growth across rural economies,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA urged the Senate and House of Representatives to prioritize the legislation, underscoring that rural infrastructure is fundamental to agricultural modernization, poverty alleviation, and inclusive national growth.

“We cannot leave our farmers and fisherfolk stranded at the farm gate. This legislation lays not just physical roads but a stronger foundation for food security, equity, and national development,” Tiu Laurel said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News