The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding farm-to-market road projects and deep-water ports as part of its 2026 modernization agenda.
Farm-to-market roads, previously handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), are now under DA oversight, with a doubled budget of P33 billion covering roughly 1,600 new projects nationwide.
Central Luzon received the largest allocation of P4.89 billion, while projects in Cagayan Valley, Bicol, and Soccsksargen will also benefit from improved road infrastructure.
The agency is exploring partnerships with local government units, the DPWH, and private investors to ensure efficient construction, monitoring, and accountability in road development.
Deep-water ports in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, and Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, along with an expanded facility in Albay, are expected to reduce shipping costs for agricultural products and inputs.
Digital transformation is a key priority, with the DA preparing to launch a command center consolidating real-time data on crop production, livestock, weather, prices, and supply chain conditions to improve decision-making.
The agency is also investigating the use of artificial intelligence tools to process large volumes of data, allowing for evidence-based policymaking, faster interventions, and improved coordination across regional offices.
