Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to initiate the implementation of a PHP33 billion farm-to-market road (FMR) project starting this April, as per the statement made by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. during a press conference. The DA's Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) is currently in the process of finalizing the guidelines essential for the project's roll-out.
According to Philippines News Agency, the FMR project for the year encompasses approximately 1,600 projects, spanning a total of 2,300 kilometers. The estimated cost is set at PHP14 million per kilometer. BAFE Director Cristy Cecilia Polido emphasized the necessity of finalizing these implementing guidelines, which are a prerequisite for seeking approval from the secretary and eventual submission to the Department of Budget and Management.
Polido noted that BAFE is actively consolidating regional data and engaging in consultations with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to the project. The DA also aims to enhance transparency and efficiency by posting all project bids nationwide on its newly-launched portal, fmrwatch.bafe.gov.ph.
While the DA is primarily responsible for the implementation, it remains open to collaborations with local government units, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and other public-private partners to facilitate the successful execution of these projects.
