Manila, Oct. 29 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will assume responsibility for the development of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) starting 2026, taking over from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure a more focused, agriculture-centered approach in building rural infrastructure.

In a news release on Wednesday, the agency disclosed that DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon met on Tuesday to review audit results of completed FMR projects and discuss pending constructions scheduled for 2025.

The DPWH has proposed a catch-up plan to finish about 1,000 kilometers of remaining FMRs before the transition.

"These roads are badly needed by our far...