Pasay city: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has flagged PHP125 million worth of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects that were reportedly completed between 2021 and 2022 but show no signs of actual construction. DA Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa revealed this during the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry event in Pasay City.

According to Philippines News Agency, de Mesa highlighted that out of more than 4,700 units, nine FMRs are potentially ‘ghost’ projects. “From our records and audit, they were not initiated but in the DPWH report, these were already completed,” he noted. The projects in question include seven roads intended for Davao Occidental and two for Lanao del Sur, which together would have spanned at least nine kilometers.

The DA has initiated an audit of all FMR projects across the country for the period between 2021 to 2025. This comes amid investigations into alleged ghost and substandard flood-control projects worth billions.

In a separate statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. commented that no irregularities have been identified in other FMR projects so far. “Most are concentrated in Mindanao but we’re also looking into other areas, it’s not limited only to that region. So far, we haven’t uncovered others yet,” he stated.

Laurel emphasized that the issue, although representing 0.03 percent of the projects, is concerning. “In the whole scheme of things, it’s still 0.03 percent, not that large. But it’s still alarming because the real question is, why do ghost projects exist at all?” he questioned.

The DA plans to submit its findings and collaborate with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. The initial report is also set to be submitted to the Office of the President on October 1.