Nueva Vizcaya is primed to get a significant upgrade in its rural infrastructure as the Department of Agriculture (DA) allocates P255 million for farm-to-market roads (FMR) in the 2026 national budget. The funding aims to improve connectivity in agricultural areas and boost the province’s economic activity.
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Partnership Between DA and LGUs Key to Implementation
DA Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2) Executive Director Rosemary Aquino formally requested that the provincial government, led by Gov. Jose Gambito, partner with local government units (LGUs) through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to implement the projects. Aquino noted that, under the provisions of the 2026 General Appropriations Act, FMR projects must be executed in coordination with qualified LGUs.
Provincial Agriculture Officer Absalom Rizal Baysa said the allocation will cover several road projects across Bambang, Santa Fe, Aritao, Kasibu, Alfonso Castañeda, Villaverde, Kayapa, and Bayombong. According to Baysa, “The projects, costing between P15 million and P30 million, are expected to improve the transport of agricultural produce, cut post-harvest losses, and raise farmers’ incomes in these highland and agrarian communities.”
Gov. Gambito welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the importance of LGU involvement to prevent “ghost projects” that have affected past infrastructure and flood control programs. “The provincial government is willing and capable of implementing these projects, and we will strictly monitor implementation to ensure these investments deliver real, measurable benefits to our farmers and other stakeholders,” the governor stated.
Boosting Agricultural Growth and Local Economies
The DA’s approach reflects a model previously applied with the Department of Education, where the provincial government helped prioritize schools for new classrooms. Gambito added that the LGU-driven system is expected to promote transparency and ensure the projects meet local needs.
The push for FMR development comes as the DA assumes responsibility for the road program from the Department of Public Works and Highways starting in 2026. The agency said the shift is intended to create more cost-efficient roads and reduce construction expenses by around 20 percent nationwide. Aquino also announced that a digital monitoring portal will be launched to track project progress and allow public feedback.
With the implementation of these farm-to-market roads, farmers in Nueva Vizcaya will benefit from faster, more reliable access to markets, which can lead to higher earnings, reduced post-harvest losses, and more sustainable agricultural growth. Improved rural connectivity also strengthens local economies, enhances food security, and contributes to regional development across the province.
