Agriculture dep’t sets up unit to oversee P27.7-B program

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is establishing an office within the agency to ensure the timely and efficient completion of a P27.7-billion program to build bridges for farms.

The DA issued Department Order No. 20, creating the project management office (PMO) for its Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program (FMBDP). This is aimed at significantly improving rural infrastructure and agricultural logistics.

The project is financed through official development assistance from the French government. Of the total amount, P22.15 billion will come from the French government, and the remaining P5.54 billion from the Philippine government.

The Economy and Development Council, chaired by President Marcos, approved the FMBDP early this year. It entails the construction of 300 modular steel panel bridges strategically located across 52 provinces across 15 regions in the country.

The initiative will be implemented in areas with high agricultural potential but limited road access. It is intended to enhance connectivity along farm-to-market roads and link farming communities to economic centers.

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Based on the DA order, the PMO will ensure focused leadership, strategic coordination, efficient resource allocation and the FMBDP’s successful implementation.

To achieve this objective, the PMO will oversee the effective and efficient completion of the FMBDP.