In a recent statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the critical role of improved infrastructure in reducing transportation costs for Filipino farmers. Speaking from Manila, he highlighted how better roads and bridges could streamline the agricultural supply chain, thereby lowering the costs associated with moving farm products to markets.
Tiu Laurel pointed out that logistics are a cornerstone of agriculture, and the efficiency of transport infrastructure directly impacts the cost-effectiveness of distributing farm inputs and outputs. To this end, the Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to enhance the road and bridge networks, particularly in key agricultural regions. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of bolstering food security.
The Secretary noted that upgraded transport infrastructure would not only reduce the likelihood of food spoilage but also help stabilize prices in local markets, ultimately benefiting consumers. He stressed the vital importance of a robust transportation network in an archipelago like the Philippines, where efficient logistics are essential.
Currently, the transport infrastructure faces challenges such as excessive truck overloading, which farmers and traders use as a strategy to minimize logistics costs. This practice, however, leads to damage to roads and bridges. Additionally, there is a noted weakness in the enforcement of regular bridge inspections and load rating updates.
Tiu Laurel drew comparisons with neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, where agricultural trucks can carry significantly heavier loads than the 41-ton limit set in the Philippines. He suggested that with improved infrastructure, the Philippines could achieve similar reductions in transport costs, enhancing the competitiveness of its agricultural sector.