MANILA, Dec. 8 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has established a watchdog unit to reinforce transparency and accountability in the rollout of rural infrastructure projects, particularly farm-to-market roads (FMRs).

In a statement Monday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the creation of the Interim Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit is part of the DA's push to ensure that all infrastructure initiatives meet environmental and social standards.

"The recent controversy surrounding flood control projects underscores why we need a strong safeguards system," Tiu Laurel said. "We cannot afford gray areas or blind spots. This watchdog unit ensures that every DA project is transparent, accountable, and fully a...