Manila, July 6 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it has approved the implementation of more than PHP2.06 billion in farm-to-market (FMR) road and bridge projects nationwide.

This comes amid the government's accelerated efforts to boost agricultural infrastructure investments to benefit Filipino farmers and fishers.

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move will help strengthen the country's agri-food supply chain, as well as market linkages.

"I'm sure these projects will improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk, lower their expenses, and give them better access to markets," he said, citing that bridges are "most transformative" as they replace river crossings, which are typically impassa...