DA wants to talk with DPWH on farm-to-market roads, bridges’ upgrades

A bridge in Mindanao serves as a lifeline for impoverished upland farmers. (File photo from ADB)

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking an audience with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure the smooth flow of agricultural goods and lower transport costs through infrastructure improvements.

In a statement on Monday, the DA said the planned meeting aims to identify key areas for road and bridge upgrades, especially in major agricultural regions.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said improving roads and bridges will ultimately stabilize retail food prices, as it can decrease transportation costs, reduce spoilage, and expedite the delivery of agricultural goods.

“Agriculture relies heavily on logistics, and transport infrastructure directly affects the cost and efficiency of moving farm inputs and produce,” the agriculture chief said.

“Better infrastructure enables a more efficient supply chain, reducing costs from farm to market,” he said.

The DA said this issue is especially critical in the rice sector, as transport costs in Thailand and Vietnam, among the country’s leading sources of imported rice, are lower due to better road conditions.

Tiu Laurel noted that trucks in both Southeast Asian countries are capable of transporting 8 to 10 tons more than the 41-ton limit in the Philippines.

Various costs are taken into account in producing agricultural products, such as farm inputs (seeds, fertilizers, feeds, etc.), fuel and oil, irrigation fees, electricity prices, labor, and transport.

According to the DA, roads and bridges are damaged due to the practice of many Filipino farmers and traders of overloading their trucks to save on costs.

Despite regular bridge inspections and load rating updates mandated by the DPWH, the agency said some bridges, although rated for specific loads, have been pushed beyond their limits due to excessive overloading.

“The practice of truckers of loading their vehicles with various even beyond prescribed limits has led to the collapse of several bridges across Luzon and the Visayas in recent years,” it said.

The DA stressed that such problems will persist if inadequate road networks and overloading issues will not be addressed.

“The importance of a strong road and bridge network in agriculture, especially in an archipelago like the Philippines, cannot be overstated,” Tiu Laurel said.