The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program (FMBDP) aimed at improving the transport of agricultural goods across the country.

The program, approved by the Economy and Development Council chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will be funded through Official Development Assistance from the Government of France.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who presented the project during the 18 June council meeting in Malacañang, said the initiative addresses long-standing logistical challenges affecting farm productivity and market access in rural areas.

Improved market access

“This initiative also seeks to raise the income of farmers and fisherfolk by improving access to markets and ensuring the more efficient and cost-effective movement of goods and services,” Tiu Laurel said.

Under the FMBDP, 300 modular steel panel bridges will be constructed from 2026 to 2029 across 52 provinces in 15 regions. The plan includes four standard single-lane and 296 extra-wide single-lane bridges, covering more than 11,400 linear meters.

The DA’s Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering led the technical planning and site selection process, prioritizing areas with strong agricultural potential but poor road connectivity.

From more than 1,400 proposals submitted by local governments, 300 sites were selected.

Support for agricultural communities

“The Department has invested time and effort to ensure that the FMBDP is not just about building infrastructure across 15 regions, but about delivering long-term support to agricultural communities,” Tiu Laurel said.

He added that the project aims to reduce post-harvest losses, lower transport costs, and directly connect farming communities to economic centers.

“Our farmers and fisherfolk can expect continued oversight of this project to guarantee that timely and appropriate assistance reaches them,” he said.

Of the total project cost, P22.15 billion will come from foreign loans, while P5.54 billion will be funded by the Philippine government.