The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) is mobilizing concerned national government agencies to finalize the integration and consolidation of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects towards a national network of FMRs. BAFE is seeking assistance on data sharing and convergence among national government agencies involved in the regulatory works and implementation of roads.
Key officials from DPWH, DILG, DOT, DTI, DA-PRDP and NEDA attended the online meeting on the formulation of national network of farm-to-market roads presided by DA-BAFE Director Ariodear Rico on July 28, 2022.
The Department of Agriculture issued Administrative Order 16 last June 2022 for the adoption and implementation of the Farm-to-Market Road Development (FMRDP) Strategic Plan 2022-2031. Don Mariano Marcos State University (DMMSU) was commissioned by BAFE to assist in the crafting of the strategic plan which is a product of consultation with stakeholders over the course of two years, according to Dir. Rico.
A copy of the FMRDP Strategic Plan was submitted by DA Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian to President and concurrent Secretary of Agriculture Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for perusal, Dir. Rico added.
Prior to his State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos has convened DA’s key officials in a meeting where Dir. Rico presented the FMRDP Strategic Plan.
“Gagawa tayo ng national network ng farm-to-market roads upang mas mabilis na mailakbay ng mga magsasaka ang kanilang mga produkto sa mga pamilihan,” said Pres. Marcos in his first SONA.
In response to the President’s directive concerning FMRs, DA-BAFE has formulated five action plans to finalize a national network of FMRs by August. The national network of FMRs will be presented at the budget hearing and to the economic managers. ###Marshall Louie Asis