DAVAO OCCIDENTAL — What was meant to connect farmers to markets has instead exposed a long trail of corruption and negligence. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. himself uncovered several unfinished farm-to-market roads (FMR) in Davao Occidental—projects that were supposed to have been completed as early as 2021.
During a surprise inspection, Laurel discovered that one FMR did not even exist, while another had only just begun cement pouring—four years after funds had already been released. The findings paint a grim picture of how deep-rooted corruption and inefficiency continue to cripple rural infrastructure programs, depriving farmers and fisherfolk of lifelines to economic progress.
“These roads are vital to the livelihood of our farmers and fisherfolk,” Laurel said in a Facebook post. “We will not let this pass. We will make sure these projects are implemented properly and those responsible are held accountable.”
In response to the alarming discovery, the DA is now coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), led by Secretary Vince Dizon, to compel contractors and district engineers involved in the 2021–2022 projects to explain the delays and discrepancies.
The joint probe between DA and DPWH aims to uncover the chain of accountability—from contractors to district engineers—who may have pocketed public funds or allowed substandard or non-existent projects to pass unchecked.
Farm-to-market roads are crucial in rural development, enabling farmers to transport goods more efficiently and access markets, especially in remote areas like Davao Occidental. Yet the discovery of incomplete and ghost projects exposes systemic corruption that continues to undermine government efforts to uplift the agriculture sector.
The DA’s findings have sparked outrage among local farmers who have long complained about poor infrastructure and unfulfilled government promises. For many, the uncompleted roads symbolize not just failed projects, but broken trust.
As the investigation deepens, Secretary Laurel vowed transparency and firm action. “We owe our farmers accountability,” he said. “This is public money—every peso must serve the people, not the corrupt.”
The probe is ongoing, and both agencies have promised to make public the results of their investigation and take legal action against anyone found guilty of misconduct.