THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) XI has allocated about ₱1.5 billion for Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) projects in the Davao Region in 2026, an official said.
In a press release, DA XI said the projects cover roughly 99.7 kilometers of rural roads to strengthen agricultural connectivity between farmers and their markets.
Macario D. Gonzaga, DA XI regional executive director, reported the allocation during the Regional Midyear Assessment on Farm-to-Market Road Projects held Aug. 19 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Gonzaga said the region has received a significantly increased allocation of 48 projects, compared to 26 FMR projects in 2025.
The 2026 projects are broken down as follows: 17 in Davao de Oro; nine each in Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur; seven in Davao del Norte; four in Davao City; and two in Davao Occidental.
Of the implemented 26 FMR projects in 2025, a total of 23 have been completed, and three remain ongoing.
These were distributed across the region’s provinces and city, with 11 projects in Davao de Oro; four each in Davao del Norte and Davao City; three in Davao Oriental; and two each in Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur.
Gonzaga said the completed and targeted projects reflect the government’s continued commitment to supporting farmers by improving access to markets.
He added that these projects facilitate the efficient delivery of agricultural products and help reduce transportation challenges for farmers.
Gonzaga stressed the need for regular assessment of the program’s operations and progress, as the success of the FMR is a collective effort of the government, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units, farmer-beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.
DA XI said the continued investment in rural infrastructure contributes to stronger local food systems and food security in the region.
Photo: Agri Info Davao
