The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched FMR Watch on Friday, a new transparency portal designed to allow public access to information regarding farm-to-market road (FMR) projects and track their progress.
Understanding Farm-to-Market Roads
FMRs are crucial infrastructure, connecting agricultural production areas, coastal landing points, and postharvest facilities to broader transportation networks. These roads – whether gravel or paved – aim to reduce costs for farmers, shorten travel times, increase the value of agricultural goods, and improve access to essential services like schools and hospitals.
A Shift in Oversight
The DA has assumed responsibility for FMR implementation, taking over from the Department of Public Works and Highways, which is currently facing a significant corruption scandal. This year, the DA has been allocated a budget of P33-billion to construct over 2,300 kilometers of FMRs.
How FMR Watch Works
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., FMR Watch is intended to provide clarity on how public funds are being utilized. “The public — farmers, fisherfolk, LGUs, citizen watchdogs — will see where roads should be, how projects are progressing, and whether there is proper implementation,” he stated. The portal consolidates data, evidence, and feedback, allowing users to search for specific projects and view details such as location, budget, contractor information, and project status.
The portal features a map displaying FMR projects and the agricultural areas they support, focusing on rice, fisheries, and high-value crops. Data is sourced from the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System and supplemented with monitoring information, including geotagged photos and citizen feedback. Livestreaming of bidding and procurement activities is also planned.
Reporting Concerns
FMR Watch includes an “E-report” feature, enabling the public to submit concerns or complaints – anonymously if desired – through comments, photos, or videos. The DA aims to acknowledge all reports immediately and respond within three days, depending on the issue’s complexity. Regional field offices will be responsible for verification and action.
The portal currently focuses on projects funded by the DA’s Farm-to-Market Road Development Plan, but will soon incorporate projects from the Philippine Rural Development Plan, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and the Philippine Coconut Authority. Other agencies and local government units may also partner with the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) to onboard their projects.
What Happens Next?
If the FMR Watch portal is widely adopted by the public and civil society groups, it could lead to increased accountability and more efficient implementation of FMR projects. A consistent flow of citizen feedback may identify potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention. However, the success of the portal will depend on the DA’s commitment to regularly updating the data and responding to reported concerns. It is also possible that the portal’s effectiveness will be tested as more agencies and LGUs integrate their projects into the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farm-to-market roads?
FMRs are roads that connect agricultural production sites to markets, local roads, and main highways, reducing transportation costs and improving access to services.
Who is responsible for implementing FMR projects now?
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has taken over FMR implementation from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
How can the public report concerns about FMR projects?
The public can submit concerns through the FMR Watch portal’s “E-report” feature, including comments, photos, and videos, even anonymously.
Will increased transparency in infrastructure spending truly benefit rural communities and ensure the effective use of public funds?
