The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday called on Congress to swiftly pass the proposed Farm-to-Market Roads (FMR) Development and Equity Act, a measure aimed at closing the country’s massive infrastructure gap that continues to burden farmers and fisherfolk.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the urgency of the bill, stressing that farm-to-market roads are not just infrastructure but vital connectors for rural livelihoods.
“Farm-to-market roads are not just infrastructures—they are essential lifelines that connect farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock producers to markets and economic opportunity. 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.
Under the proposed law, at least 30 percent of FMR funds will be earmarked for rural areas with high poverty incidence. The rest will be allocated to strategic regional growth corridors identified by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, along with the Regional Development Councils.
Other priority areas include:
- Major commodity production zones under the DA’s agricultural modernization plan
- Fisheries development areas designated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
- Livestock clusters under the National Livestock Program
- 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 emphasized.
The DA noted that the current FMR shortfall stands at 36,000 kilometers, a gap that has left countless communities without access to markets. To bridge this, the agency is pushing for an FMR master plan anchored in six-year rolling implementation cycles, aligned with the country’s medium-term development strategies.
The master plan will ensure full coordination between the DA–Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (for planning), the Department of Public Works and Highways (for construction), and local government units (for ground integration).