DA approves P2 billion farm-to-market roads

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has approved the implementation of P2.06 billion worth of farm-to-market roads, funded under the World Bank’s Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) Scale-Up.

The project covers more than 66 kilometers of rural roads and 310 linear meters of bridges that could connect farming communities in the provinces of Zambales, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Samar, Bukidnon and North Cotabato.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the approval was part of the agency’s plans to strengthen the local agri-food supply chain and reduce high logistics costs due to inadequate rural infrastructure.

“These projects will improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk, lower their expenses and give them better access to markets,” he said.

Tiu Laurel said the approved bridge projects are the “most transformative component of the program,” as they would replace river crossings that become impassable or dangerous during storms.

The World Bank-funded PRDP Scale-Up seeks to fund the construction of more agricultural infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, as well as irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural value chain.

Tiu Laurel said the PRDP Scale-Up remains “one of the government’s most demanding foreign-assisted programs because it adheres to stringent World Bank standards.”

He added that the international lender has expressed interest to expand its support to the country once the government delivers results.

He also called on local government units to continue preparing projects that would meet the World Bank’s standards to hasten the approval of future programs.

The DA is looking to award the remaining projects under the PRDP Scale-Up by the end of the year.

The agency noted that improved connectivity, modern post-harvest facilities and better irrigation systems would strengthen the country’s food supply chains, improve farm productivity and help ease price pressure on food.