DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES ENGINEERINGSugar Center, Annex II Building Extension, North Avenue, Diliman Quezon City
Cagayan de Oro City – To boost the agricultural sector and enhance market connectivity of farmers, the Philippine government is intensifying efforts to implement the comprehensive Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan (FMRNP) for 2023-2028. This initiative, strongly advocated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to significantly improve the infrastructure connecting rural farms to urban markets, facilitating the swift and cost-effective delivery of agricultural products.
The significance of this initiative was highlighted during the Localization of the National Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan (FMRNP) 2023-2028 Cluster 10 (July 16 and 17, 2024) and Cluster 11 (July 18 and 19) at Harbor Lights Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.
Local government officials from Northern Mindanao – Cluster 10 (Lanao del Norte, Iligan City, Misamis Occidental, and Camiguin) Cluster 11 (Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, and Misamis Oriental) actively participated, alongside national and regional offices of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora Dumayaca, emphasized the importance of constructing additional kilometers of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) to ensure timely and effective delivery of assistance. “The FMRNP serves as a crucial reference document for budget preparation and prioritization of FMR projects. This plan aims to benefit our farmers and ensure comprehensive program coverage,” Dir. Dumayaca explained.
DILG Region10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga underscored the collaborative efforts needed to realize the objectives of the FMRNP. Acknowledging the presence of local leaders and representatives from various agencies, she stressed the importance of their roles in the development and implementation of farm-to-market road projects. Dir. Tolentino-Sunga emphasized that “the beneficiaries of this initiative would be local chief executives and their constituents.” She noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a clear directive emphasizing the need for improved agricultural infrastructure, stating that “FMRs are vital in connecting rural farms to urban markets and transforming the agricultural landscape and eco-tourism of the nation.”
Dir. Tolentino-Sunga further stated that by investing in and prioritizing FMRs, essential pathways could be created to enhance farmers’ ability to deliver their products swiftly and affordably. She acknowledged the contributions of LGUs, recognizing their pivotal role in implementing these vital projects. Dir. Tolentino-Sunga assured that the DILG would continue to support the expansion of these efforts to reach more farmers and meet their needs, aiming to achieve programs that provide a brighter future for all.
DA-BAFE Director Ariodear Rico presented the utilization of digital tools like the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS) and GEOAGRI map to streamline the planning and execution of FMR projects. “We have already made a system to make your life easy in the era of digitalization. Just encode the info, then the map will be produced. From there, you can see where the barangays are, the roads as well as their condition, and where these roads are connected in the production area, like rice, corn, and other crops,” Dir. Rico explained.
Dir. Rico highlighted the importance of data sharing between agencies such as DPWH, DOT, and DTI for the effective implementation of the Joint Administrative Order, which is part of the President’s directive. He said, “LGUs have to prepare their network plan indicating the priority based on the criteria. After three months, we should have a consolidated provincial farm-to-market road network plan with an investment plan.” This will be presented to the DBM coordinating committee for planning allocation.
The active participation of local government officials and representatives from various national and regional agencies underscores the collaborative spirit driving the FMRNP. Dir. Tolentino-Sunga reinforced the government’s commitment to this initiative, stating, “It is our duty and mandate to ensure that we remain proactive. Let us prove that the government is with us, ready to lead and provide support to every farmer,” she said. ###DA-BAFE/ICTST
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Sugar Center, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
