Farm road audit expands in Davao

The government has begun a closer review of farm-to-market roads nationwide, signaling tighter scrutiny of projects as billions in funding are funneled into rural infrastructure to lift agricultural output.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon led an inspection of a newly completed farm road in Barangay New Casayuran, part of a broader audit following the transfer of oversight for such projects to the Department of Agriculture on Friday, 27 March at Davao del Norte.

The road, an 800-meter concrete stretch, connects farming areas to markets and is expected to reduce hauling costs and minimize crop losses. It currently serves about 50 hectares planted with rice, coconut, banana, and vegetables, with additional land seen to be opened for cultivation.

Officials said the inspection reflects a shift in how infrastructure is evaluated, with greater emphasis on whether projects directly improve productivity and farmers’ incomes rather than simply meeting construction targets.

“This audit is critical to ensure that all FMR projects deliver real value to farmers,” Tiu Laurel said.

The Department of Agriculture estimates that the country requires around 131,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads to fully support supply chains, with more than 60,000 kilometers still lacking—an infrastructure gap that continues to limit rural development.

To address this, funding for such roads has been significantly increased this year, allowing for the construction of thousands of additional kilometers.

The Davao del Norte project, completed in mid-2025, was implemented with engineering support from the Department of Public Works and Highways, which continues to provide technical oversight during the transition of responsibilities.

Further inspections are set across the country as the government evaluates not just project completion but also quality, durability, and long-term impact on farm productivity—factors seen as key to ensuring that increased spending translates into tangible gains for the agriculture sector.