DA eyes partnership with Zamboanga del Sur gov’t on farm-to-market roads

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Sunday said his department is open to partnering with the Zamboanga del Sur government to implement farm-to-market road projects across the province.

“Local government units coming forward to help the DA fast-track farm-to-market road projects is a welcome development,” Laurel said in a statement.

“We need all the support we can get to build infrastructure that opens access, lowers production costs, raises farmers’ incomes, and delivers real development in the countryside.”

In a letter, the Zamboanga del Sur government identified 26 priority road projects across 21 municipalities, including Pagadian City, with a combined budget of P370 million, for joint implementation with the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“We firmly believe this collaboration will reinforce transparency and accountability, while ensuring the efficient and timely completion of FMR projects that improve accessibility and advance the welfare of our farmers,” Zamboanga del Sur Governor Divina Grace C. Yu told Laurel in a letter.

She added that the Zamboanga del Sur government is prepared to create a unit for monitoring and supervising the identified projects.

The governor also assured that they will provide regular and timely reports and follow all government rules.

Meanwhile, the DA is creating an online portal and enlisting citizen groups to help monitor the road projects to ensure timely completion and compliance with specifications.

For 2026, Congress has approved a P33-billion budget for the construction of at least 2,200 kilometers of farm roads nationwide. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News