MANILA, Nov. 12 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning to accelerate the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) at significantly lower costs starting next year.

In a statement on Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative will become feasible once the DA takes over the government's FMR program from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

"If Congress allows us under the 2026 national budget, we can use those savings to build more roads-helping farmers and fisherfolk cut production costs, reach markets faster, earn more, and ultimately lower food prices," he said.

Tiu-Laurel said the agency expects to reduce construction costs by at least 20 percent through improved project managem...