Tarlac farm roads get P71.5-M boost

Four farm-to-market road projects worth P71.52 million in Concepcion, Tarlac are set to enter the bidding stage, paving the way for improved links between farming communities and markets.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed a memorandum of agreement on 10 September covering 5.43 kilometers of road works under the 2026 Farm-to-Market Road Development Program.

The projects involve the concreting of roads in Barangays Balutu, Santiago and Castillo, as well as a road connecting Balutu and Panalicsican.

The Balutu road will cover 1.16 kilometers at a cost of P14.89 million, while the Santiago project will span 1.51 kilometers with a P21.89-million allocation. The Castillo road will cover 1.56 kilometers and cost P19.85 million, while the 1.21-kilometer Balutu-Panalicsican road is budgeted at P14.89 million.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said better road access would allow farmers to bring their produce to buyers more efficiently while easing transportation constraints.

“Farm-to-market roads are shortcuts for the development and prosperity for our farmers and rural communities,” Tiu Laurel said. “Through close cooperation with DPWH, we want these projects completed soonest so our farmers can bring their products to market more efficiently.”

Under the agreement, the DA will set road standards, review engineering designs and programs of work, release and monitor funds, and track project accomplishments. The DPWH will handle procurement, construction, quality control and contractor compliance.

To strengthen spending safeguards, the agencies will conduct joint site validation and geotagging. Procurement cannot proceed without a DA-issued No Objection Letter.

DA Undersecretary Arrey Perez said project implementation must ensure that public funds deliver their intended benefits.

“Let us make sure that every project is properly implemented, delivered on time, and serves its purpose. Every peso invested must translate into something meaningful for our people,” Perez said.

Funding will be released in three tranches, with the final 20 percent contingent on an audit, final inspection and submission of an operations and maintenance plan.