The Department of Agriculture (DA) believes there is a need for stronger safeguard systems for farm-to-market roads, amid controversies involving flood control projects.
According to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., there should be no “gray areas” or “blind spots” in these initiatives.
To ensure this, the agency has created a watchdog that will guarantee every DA project is transparent, accountable, and compliant with environmental and social standards.
Laurel noted that about 60 kilometers of projects still need to be completed.
These roads, he added, will help reduce transport costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and strengthen the delivery of products from farms to markets.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DA)