The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved more than P2.06 billion worth of farm-to-market roads and bridges to reduce transport costs, improve market access and strengthen the country's food supply chain.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the projects, funded primarily through the World Bank-supported Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) Scale-Up, will cover more than 66 kilometers of farm-to-market roads and 310 linear meters of bridges in Zambales, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate, Samar, Bukidnon and North Cotabato.

"These projects are very crucial to our agri-food systems," Tiu Laurel said, noting that the package includes roads stretching up to 26 kilometers and bridges that will provide year-round access for farming communities.

He said the bridge projects are expected to have the greatest impact by replacing river crossings that often become impassable during heavy rains and flooding.

"I'm sure these projects will improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk, lower their expenses, and give them better access to markets," Tiu Laurel said.

Beyond roads and bridges, the PRDP Scale-Up also finances irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities as part of the government's broader strategy to improve agricultural productivity and reduce supply chain inefficiencies.

Tiu Laurel said the program remains one of the government's most rigorous foreign-assisted initiatives because it follows strict World Bank standards. However, he noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed implementing agencies to accelerate project execution to deliver infrastructure to rural communities more quickly.

The agriculture chief also thanked the World Bank for its continued support and encouraged local government units to prepare more projects that meet international standards as the DA aims to award all remaining PRDP projects before the end of the year.

The DA said the latest approvals reinforce the government's efforts to modernize rural infrastructure, improve farm connectivity and help stabilize food prices by making agricultural supply chains more efficient.