THE Department of Agriculture, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), will build P71.5 million worth of farm-to-market (FMR) roads in Concepcion, Tarlac, the DA said on Monday.
To formalize the undertaking, the two agencies signed a memorandum of agreement on Sept. 10, covering four road projects with a combined length of 5.43 kilometers (kms) under the 2026 Farm-to-Market Road Development Program.
The projects in Concepcion include a 1.16-km road in Barangay Balutu with an estimated cost of P14.89 million; a 1.51-km road in Barangay Santiago worth P21.89 million; a 1.56-km road in Barangay Castillo worth P19.85 million; and the 1.21-km Balutu-Panalicsican road costing P14.89 million, for a total project cost of P71.5 million.
Under the agreement, the DA will set road standards, review detailed engineering designs and programs of work, release and monitor funds, and track physical and financial accomplishments. The DPWH will handle procurement, contract awards, construction supervision, quality control, and contractor compliance.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said farm-to-market roads can help farmers reach buyers more efficiently while reducing transport constraints that can raise costs and limit access to markets.
“Farm-to-market roads are shortcuts for the development and prosperity for our farmers and rural communities,” Tiu-Laurel Jr. said.
"Through close cooperation with DPWH, we want these projects completed soonest so our farmers can bring their products to market more efficiently," he continued.
Also stipulated in the agreement is that procurement may not proceed without a DA-issued No Objection Letter, while project sites must undergo joint validation and geotagging.
Funds for the FMR project will be released in three tranches, with 50 percent released after approval of project documents, followed by 30 percent after liquidation and the final 20 percent after an audit, final inspection, and submission of an operations and maintenance plan.
"Let us make sure that every project is properly implemented, delivered on time, and serves its purpose. Every peso invested must translate into something meaningful for our people," Agriculture Undersecretary Arrey Perez said.
A third-party audit will be required before final payment, while the DA, DPWH, and local governments will jointly oversee final inspection and turnover.
The DA also called on the public to track the progress of FMR projects through the agency's FMR Watch.
FMR Watch is an online transparency portal where citizens can track the progress of farm-to-market road projects, view project updates, and upload current photos and feedback to help monitor implementation.