MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday that a significant amount of the funding for farm-to-market road (FMR) programs is located in Luzon, as the agency pledges to enhance local economies and food security.
According to De Mesa, the 2026 national fiscal spending plan includes approximately P33 billion for FMRs, which he describes as part of the government’s investment in “critical agriculture infrastructure.”
De Mesa said, “Malaking halaga nito ay mapupunta sa ating northern and central Luzon. Ito ang ating food basket dito sa Luzon.”
He added, “Ang target natin ay mapalakas ang ating palay, mais, at yung ating agri-fishery sector. Ganun din sa Mindanao particular sa Region 12 para mapalakas ang ating– especially yung coffee and cacao at iba pang high-value commercial crops,”
The official hoped that all financing will be implemented this year.
He also stated that they are looking into the specific provisions of the General Appropriations Act of 2026 for FMRs and other agricultural projects.
He said, “Araw-araw halos ay nagmi-meeting kami ngayon para maging maayos ang pagi-implement namin ng key agri infrastructure lalo na po itong FMR,”
Earlier last month, Senator Francis Pangilinan, who oversaw the Senate’s Department of Agriculture budget, announced that the DA would collaborate with local governments and the business sector to carry out FMR initiatives.
He also mentioned the validation of audit results and the execution of citizen participatory audits.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, 70,000 kilometers of farm-to-market highways have been completed. However, there is still a 60,000-kilometer backlog of projects.
The DA said that beginning this year, it would assume the role of principal implementing agency for farm-to-market highways.
With these projects set to commence in early 2026, experts predict that enhanced farm-to-market roads will contribute to increased agricultural output and improved food supply chains across Luzon. The improvements also support the government’s goal of achieving rural development and poverty reduction.
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