The Department of Agriculture (DA) has discovered alleged “ghost” farm-to-market roads worth P75 million in Mindanao. According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., these roads were supposed to be constructed in 2021 and 2022, but initial findings suggest they don’t exist or were not completed as planned.
The DA has identified small contractors involved in the project and is currently investigating the matter. Laurel emphasized that this might be an isolated case, but it’s worth looking into. The department is working closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is responsible for implementing these projects.
The alleged ghost projects were found in Davao Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte. In one instance, a road was reportedly constructed without cement, making it unusable. Laurel noted that the cost per kilometer of these projects is around P15 million, which he considers a relatively small contract. The DA is expected to complete its audit of farm-to-market road projects by the end of the year.
Laurel has already informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about the initial findings and will submit a formal report soon. The DA is taking steps to ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation of these projects. This development comes amid allegations of corruption in government projects, particularly in flood control initiatives.
The DA’s audit of farm-to-market road projects aims to identify potential irregularities and ensure that taxpayer money is accounted for. With a target to construct 131,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, the DA has completed around 70,000 kilometers, with 61,000 kilometers still pending. The department is working to prevent similar issues in the future and hold those responsible accountable.
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