Agri Chief Orders Audit of Farm-to-Market Roads Amid Anomaly Probes

AGRI-NEWS | Farming Posted on 2025-09-18 15:54:26

MANILA – Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has directed a full audit of all farm-to-market road (FMR) projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), following reports of alleged irregularities in infrastructure spending.

The review will cover projects from 2021 to 2025, with the goal of ensuring that FMRs fulfill their purpose of connecting farmers to markets, instead of turning into “farm-to-pocket” ventures.

“With what is happening now in flood control projects, I ordered an audit of all FMR projects from 2021 to 2025. If there are any issues in these agricultural road projects, I will have to report that to President Marcos,” Tiu Laurel said.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) welcomed the move, calling it an important step to safeguard public funds. “The SINAG supports the initiative of DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel to audit all farm-to-market road (FMR) projects,” said Executive Director Jayson Cainglet.

As of July, DPWH reported the completion of 70,000 kilometers of FMRs nationwide. However, about 61,000 km remain pending validation out of the government’s 131,000-km target. Under current policy, the DA identifies and validates FMR projects, while the DPWH manages bidding and construction.

Cainglet further urged authorities to prosecute those behind anomalous projects and recover any misused funds. He also praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s resolve to expose corruption in infrastructure spending and strengthen accountability mechanisms.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR

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