DA Launches FMR Transparency Portal

Department of Agriculture Launches Transparency‍ Portal for ‍Farm-to-Market Roads

The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched FMR Watch on Friday,January 26,2024,a public portal designed ⁢to ⁤track the progress of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects nationwide.

FMRs connect agricultural areas, coastal landing points, and postharvest facilities to markets and highways. These roads ‍aim to reduce transportation costs, ⁢decrease travel time for farmers, increase the value of agricultural products, and improve access to services like schools and hospitals.

The DA ⁣assumed responsibility for FMR implementation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is currently facing ⁤a major corruption inquiry.

For 2024, the DA received a budget of P33 billion (approximately $582 million USD ⁢as of January 30, 2026) to construct over 2,300 kilometers of FMRs.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco⁢ tiu Laurel Jr. announced the DA ⁢will employ third-party auditors to verify the completion and quality of‍ FMR projects. The DA will also ⁤collaborate with civil society organizations, including farmer and fisherfolk groups, to monitor and certify project completion.

“The public⁢ – farmers, fisherfolk, LGUs (local government units), citizen watchdogs – will see where roads should be, how projects are ⁤progressing, and whether there is proper ⁤implementation. No smoke, no ⁢mirrors; just maps, data and accountability,” Tiu Laurel said. “If roads only exist on paper,⁣ FMR Watch will expose it.”

FMR Watch consolidates project data, evidence, and public feedback, allowing users to⁤ monitor projects from inception to completion. The portal allows users to search for specific projects and view details including:

• Location
• Budget
• Procurement data
• Contractor information
• Project start date
• Target completion date