DA Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. – Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture/Facebook.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Thursday assured that farm-to-market road (FMR) projects this year will be free from irregularities, in contrast to some flood-control initiatives flagged under the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The assurance came after the People’s Budget Coalition raised concerns over more than 800 FMR projects in the Department of Agriculture’s 2026 budget, noting “very round numbers” that suggested possible miscosting.
Tiu Laurel said the department has updated project costings and will seek feedback from reputable construction firms to validate figures. “We will present our numbers to the private sector, and all parties can provide input,” he said.
The secretary highlighted that the consultation aims to ensure contractors receive fair compensation while preventing any misuse of funds. “This is about a correct costing system where the contractor earns properly, but there is no excess for anyone else,” he added.
Tiu Laurel stressed that accountability is key, noting that both his name and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s are attached to the program. “The President’s instruction is clear: execute these projects cleanly and efficiently,” he said.
The FMR program has a P33-billion allocation in 2026, designed to help lower production costs and support rural communities by improving farm-to-market connectivity.
The agriculture sector’s total budget this year stands at P297.102 billion, which aims to strengthen food security, modernize supply chains, and provide assistance to farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.