DA chief pushes Congress to pass Farm-to-Market Roads Equity Bill

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is rallying congressional support for the proposed Farm-to-Market Roads Development and Equity Act, which seeks to create a more transparent, equitable, and programmatic framework for farm-to-market road (FMR) investments nationwide.

Roads as lifelines for rural communities

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that FMRs are more than just infrastructure—they are lifelines that connect farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock producers to markets and opportunities.

“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.

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Agriculture Secretary

“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."

Equity and targeted development

Under the proposal, at least 30 percent of FMR funds will be allocated to rural areas with high poverty incidence. The rest will support regional growth corridors, major commodity zones, fisheries development areas, livestock clusters, 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 stressed.

A masterplan for long-term solutions

To address the 36,000-kilometer shortfall, the DA is proposing a Farm-to-Market Road Masterplan anchored in six-year rolling implementation cycles.

The initiative will align with the country’s medium-term development strategies, with planning led by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, construction handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and integration on the ground managed by local government units (LGUs).

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

Backbone of food security

Well-planned and properly implemented FMRs are expected to lower food prices, reduce post-harvest losses, increase rural incomes, address peace and order issues, and enhance connectivity for remote 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.

Calling on Congress to prioritize the measure, he concluded: “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.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma