DPWH may still be involved in farm-to-market road works after DA takeover

MANILA, Philippines – While the Department of Agriculture has taken over the construction of farm-to-market roads in 2026, it may still enter into contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement the projects.

Following a massive DPWH flood control corruption scandal, the agriculture department began auditing farm-to-market road projects nationwide and has since assumed responsibility for their implementation.

Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the DA may also enter into contracts with local governments and public-private partnerships. The national budget allocates P33 billion for the construction, improvement, and repair of farm-to-market roads.

Cristy Polido, director of Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), explained that these different modalities will help speed up construction.

“Fina-finalize pa namin ang implementing guidelines dito kung saan puwede ang DPWH,” Polido told reporters on Thursday, January 8. (We are still finalizing implementing guidelines where DPWH can be designated.)

Despite these options to partner with DPWH, local governments, and private firms, DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa maintained the DA is capable of implementing the construction projects.

De Mesa said the DA has regional agricultural engineering divisions that oversee construction of irrigation projects and storage facilities. BAFE, meanwhile, determines standards for these infrastructure including roads.

“We have all the capabilities to implement these projects,” De Mesa said on Thursday.

A new transparency portal

Akin to the Sumbong sa Pangulo website which tracks flood control projects, the DA is set to launch in February a transparency portal for farm-to-market roads approved from 2021 to 2025.

The portal, still in beta mode, contains details on location, cost, contractor, procurement, and status.

According to the portal, P76.52 billion was allocated for these roads from 2021 to 2025, and 3,315 out of 4,663 projects have been completed. 817 are pending and 34 are on hold. The DA reported a 67% completion rate.

According to Polido, approved projects for 2026 will soon be added in the portal. Through the portal, concerned individuals may submit reports on farm-to-market roads in their areas.

BAFE is required to submit a status report to Congress within 30 days at the end of each quarter. – Rappler.com