Partnership in Action: DA-RFO XII and LGUs Discuss Farm-to-Market Road Implementation

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFO XII) held a two-day consultation meeting on January 14–15, 2026 at Koronadal City to determine the direction and procedures for the rollout of Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) projects in Region XII and to enhance coordination with local government units.

The activity was spearheaded by OIC-Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual through the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), in collaboration with the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) under the leadership of Director Engr. Cristy Cecilia P. Polido.

Among those who attended the consultative meeting were mayors, municipal and provincial agriculturists, Provincial & Municipal Planning and Development Officers and provincial and city engineers of different towns and cities in the locality. Main issues included policies and procedures to implement FMR projects, the role of LGUs in terms of counterpart responsibility in project implementation, and plan for preparation and regular updating of the FMR Network Plan.

Officials added that the FMR Network Plan is a useful technical document that will form the basis in selecting priority road projects, promoting connectivity, sustainability and direct economic advantage to primary aggregates production areas.

DA-RFO XII emphasized that continuous technical coordination among the regional office, BAFE, and LGUs is crucial for the efficient and transparent implementation of FMR projects. The agency noted that improved farm-to-market road networks are expected to enhance farmers’ access to markets, reduce transportation costs, and contribute to increased productivity and livelihood opportunities in Region XII. #BAFE-ICS