Farm-to-market roads (FMRs) are the lifelines of rural agriculture in the country. They are more than mere stretches of pavement-they represent the crucial link between our farmers and the markets that sustain their livelihoods. Efficient FMRs reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and enable farmers to fetch better prices for their produce. Beyond individual benefits, these roads stimulate rural economies, invite investment, and strengthen the nation’s food security. In short, the state of farm-to-market roads mirrors the health of the country’s agricultural sector.
Yet, a troubling reality has surfaced: funds intended for these vital roads have been hijacked by corrupt lawmakers, resulting in ‘ghost roads’ in political strongholds rather than in the nation’s key rice granaries. Even more disheartening is the admission from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. that billions are being spent by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on FMR projects without the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) involvement-effectively sidelining the very agency tasked with supporting farmers.
This scandal reveals a deep systemic problem: the disconnect and lack of coordination between agencies, compounded by corruption and inefficiency. The fallout is clear-farmers remain underserved, infrastructure rots unused, and valuable public funds are squandered.
In light of this, the DA’s commitment to take direct control of farm-to-market road projects should be welcomed as a decisive step forward. Secretary Tiu Laurel’s acceptance of the Senate’s challenge is a courageous move that signals accountability and renewed focus on the real beneficiaries-our farmers. With his private sector experience and the agency’s plan to collaborate closely with local government units, farmers’ groups, and citizen auditors, there is hope that transparency will improve and costs will be curtailed. (Read the BusinessMirror story-‘Challenge accepted: Department of Agriculture to take over from DPWH on farm-to-market roads,’ October 12, 2025).
Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Francis Pangilinan’s support underscores the urgent need for reform. The staggering overpricing uncovered-up to 96 percent above benchmark costs-calls for rigorous audit and oversight mechanisms, which the DA’s citizen participatory audit promises to provide. This model of inclusive governance could set a precedent for other sectors plagued by corruption.
However, the DA’s undertaking is no small feat. The magnitude of farm-to-market road projects demands not only technical expertise but also political will, community engagement, and unwavering integrity. The success of this initiative hinges on genuine collaboration across government layers and civil society, as Secretary Tiu Laurel rightly emphasized.
Ultimately, the plight of Filipino farmers and the future of Philippine agriculture depend on the government’s ability to restore faith in public infrastructure programs. Every peso allocated to farm-to-market roads must translate into tangible roads that farmers can use. Anything less is a betrayal of the Filipino people’s trust and a missed opportunity to uplift rural communities.
The challenge is evident, and the stakes are high. Now is the time for the DA and all stakeholders to step up, take back the farm-to-market road program, and create a pathway to a more prosperous and food-secure Philippines. The future of our farmers and the nation’s food security relies on this action.