P1.19-B farm-to-market road projects to boost Isabela agriculture, benefit thousands of farmers

Ilagan City, Isabela – Thousands of farmers across Isabela are expected to benefit from P1.19 billion worth of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects that will improve access to markets, reduce transportation costs, and speed up the delivery of agricultural products.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 is set to implement 65 farm-to-market road projects across the province as part of the government's continuing effort to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and improve farmers' productivity and income.

Farm-to-market roads connect agricultural communities to trading centers and major road networks. They are designed to reduce travel time and transportation costs while providing farmers with easier and more reliable access to markets for their produce.

Funding for the projects was formalized on July 9, 2026, through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DA Region 2 and the Provincial Government of Isabela.

Under the agreement, the DA will shoulder the bulk of the project cost, while the Provincial Government of Isabela will provide counterpart funding for permits, clearances, right-of-way acquisition, preparation of the program of works, and other documentary requirements.

According to DA Region 2 Executive Director Mary Rose Aquino, as cited by national media, the new farm-to-market roads are expected to significantly reduce travel time and transportation costs while ensuring that agricultural products reach buyers in better condition.

"These roads are vital in moving agricultural products from farms to markets. With better access, we can reduce post-harvest losses, lower costs, and improve the income of thousands of farming families," Aquino said.

Once completed, the Provincial Government of Isabela will oversee the operation and maintenance of the farm-to-market roads to ensure their long-term use and sustainability.

Based on the DA's Farm-to-Market Road Transparency Portal, as reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the government invested P11.2 billion in farm-to-market road projects from 2021 to 2026, resulting in the completion of 3,135 projects nationwide.