A planned 20% reduction in the cost of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) is expected to allow the government to build more rural roads under the ₱33-billion FMR allocation in the 2026 national budget, Senator Kiko Pangilinan said Friday.
Pangilinan said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has committed to lowering FMR construction costs from about ₱18 million per kilometer to around ₱14.5 million per kilometer, a move supported by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Pangakong nasusukat ang ibaba ang halaga ng pagpapatayo ng farm-to-market roads nang 20%,” Pangilinan said.
He noted that the cost reduction is vital to ensure that more roads can be built and that increased agricultural spending benefits farmers and consumers.
“Kailangang mas maraming kalye ang magawa ng ₱33-billion FMR allocation sa 2026 national budget,” he said.
Improved farm-to-market connectivity, Pangilinan added, should lead to higher farm incomes and more affordable consumer prices.
“Kailangang maramdaman ng mga magsasaka at mga mamimili ang mas mataas na budget para sa agrikultura,” he said, stressing that transparency and strict implementation are expected to ensure savings translate into tangible benefits.