Tiu Laurel, Dizon inspect Davao farm road as gov’t audits agri infrastructure
BRAULIO E. DUJALI, Davao del Norte (March 27, 2026) — Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected a farm-to-market road (FMR) project here as part of a nationwide audit following the transfer of agricultural road development to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The officials assessed an 800-meter concrete road in Barangay New Casayuran, completed in July by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office. The 5-meter-wide and 0.23-meter-thick road aims to improve farm access and reduce transport costs—key to minimizing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ earnings.
The road currently serves about 50 hectares of farmland planted with rice, coconut, banana, and vegetables, while opening up an additional 40 hectares for future agricultural production.
The inspection is part of a broader review as responsibility for FMR projects shifts from the DPWH to the DA. The policy move is intended to better align infrastructure investments with agricultural priorities and strengthen supply chains.
Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of the audit, noting that connectivity gaps continue to limit rural productivity and farmer incomes. The DA estimates the country needs around 131,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, with more than 60,000 kilometers still lacking—underscoring a significant infrastructure shortfall.
For 2026, the FMR budget has been increased to P33 billion, expected to fund about 2,300 kilometers of new roads. Officials said the expanded program could unlock idle farmland and support higher-value crops such as coffee, boosting both local supply and export potential.
Records show the Davao del Norte project, funded under the DA’s 2025 FMR program, cost P14.92 million. Construction began in March last year and was completed within four months.
The project contractor, Ruplino Seismundo Construction Corp., operated under the supervision of the DPWH Davao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office, which continues to provide technical oversight during the transition. This setup is seen as essential to maintaining engineering standards while responsibilities are realigned.
The DA said more inspections will be carried out nationwide, focusing not only on completion rates but also on construction quality, timeliness, and long-term usability—factors considered crucial in translating infrastructure spending into improved farm productivity and rural incomes.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
