Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the government is stepping up efforts to address long-standing logistical issues in the agriculture sector through the ₱27.7-billion farm-to-market bridges development program (FMBDP).

Laurel confirmed in a statement that the Economy and Development (ED) Council approved the project during its inaugural meeting last week.

The FMDBP will be financed through France’s official development assistance and other loans for a total of ₱22.15 billion, while the remaining ₱5.54 billion will come from the government.

Envisioned to improve the country’s agricultural logistics, the FMDBP will construct 300 modular steel panel bridges (MSPB) across the country.

Specifically, 296 of the total will be extra-wide single-lane bridges, while the remaining four will be standard single-lane bridges.

Spanning over 11,400 linear meters, the bridges will be built across 52 provinces in 15 regions.

Areas considered by the government as top priority are those with a vibrant agriculture sector but limited connectivity along farm-to-market roads, especially direct to key markets.

According to the DA, 1,428 bridge sites were proposed by local governments, with the top 300 chosen based on a prioritization framework developed by the agency’s Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE).

Laurel said his agency is committed to ensuring that FMDBP is not just about building infrastructure, but about “delivering long-term support to agricultural communities.”

He noted that the project ultimately seeks to raise the income of farmers and fisherfolk by improving their access to markets.

Ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective movement of goods will likewise shield the agriculture sector from costly expenditures.

“Our farmers and fisherfolk can expect continued oversight of this project to guarantee that timely and appropriate assistance reaches them,” said Laurel.

Additionally, he said the project will promote a more balanced regional development, further accelerating inclusive economic development across the country.

The FMDBP is set to be implemented next year and will last until 2029, with construction expected to proceed on schedule.