Farm-to-market roads pass from DPWH to DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will assume responsibility for developing farm-to-market roads or FMRs starting next year, taking over from the Department of Public Works and Highways following the corruption scandal that has prompted probes into DPWH infrastructure projects.

- By ALDEN MONZON

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon met a day earlier to review past FMR audits and map out the transition, including a catch-up plan to finish pending 2025 projects before the turnover.

“These roads are badly needed by our farmers and fisherfolk. They will ease livelihoods, lower production costs and give farmers more time with their families,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.

Dizon said about 1,000 kilometers of FMRs are targeted for completion in 2025, adding that both agencies are looking at “outside-the-box” ways to fast-track delivery.