Politics · Philippines Bureau
Agriculture chief flags farm road budget shortfall for 2027
The Department of Agriculture says a proposed P16 billion allocation for farm-to-market roads next year falls short of what is needed to maintain and expand the critical rural infrastructure network across the Philippines.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has raised concerns about the adequacy of the proposed P16 billion budget for farm-to-market road projects in 2027, warning that the amount is insufficient to address the country's extensive rural infrastructure needs.
During a House committee on appropriations briefing on the department's proposed budget, Laurel pointed out that thousands of kilometers of farm-to-market roads require construction and rehabilitation work to maintain connectivity in agricultural regions.
The farm-to-market road system is critical to Philippine agriculture, as it enables farmers to transport produce to markets more efficiently and reduces post-harvest losses. The infrastructure also supports rural economic development by improving access to remote farming communities.
The allocation represents the government's commitment to agricultural development, though the department's assessment suggests a larger investment may be necessary to address the backlog of road projects and maintain existing infrastructure across the archipelago's diverse farming regions.