Farmers across SOCCSKSARGEN are set to gain better access to markets as more than PhP 3.5 billion worth of farm-to-farket road (FMR) projects are slated for implementation across the region.
Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFO XII) Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual reported that a total of 85 FMR projects are lined up to spur agricultural development and improve rural connectivity in Region XII.
A major milestone was achieved on July 31 at the NIA XII Office in Koronadal City, where a Mass Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing formalized 73 of these projects, valued at PhP 3.39 billion. The remaining 12 FMR projects are scheduled for signing in a separate ceremony soon.
“The success of FMR projects is not measured by the length of roads constructed, but by the number of farmers granted faster market access and greater opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” Dr. Pascual stated, emphasizing that the true impact of agricultural infrastructure lies in its ability to uplift farming families.
Under his leadership, DA-RFO XII secured the multi-billion-peso allocation under the 2026 General Appropriations Act to eliminate logistical bottlenecks, lower transport costs, and expand market access for smallholder farmers across the region.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Engr. Eduardo Destura commended the regional initiative, highlighting that the expanded road network acts as a vital economic bridge connecting isolated production sites to high-value commercial markets.
To ensure timely execution and quality construction, Dr. Pascual rallied inter-agency support alongside key officials, including DA-Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering Director Engr. Cristy Cecilia P. Polido, Department of Public Works and Highways XII Regional Director Cayamombao D. Dia, and various local chief executives across the region.
To date, DA-RFO XII has successfully completed 441.64 kilometers of farm-to-market roads valued at PhP5.5 billion across SOCCSKSARGEN. (LSLapiña/JGAquino)
(L-R) DA-RFO XII Regional Executive Director John B. Pascual is seen signing the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of farm-to-market roads in the region funded in 2026. Beside him are Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu and other officials from the DA and other concerned government institutions who attended the Mass MOA Signing on July 31, 2026 at NIA XII Office, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato.