The Department of Agriculture (DA) has established a watchdog unit to reinforce transparency and accountability in the rollout of rural infrastructure projects, particularly farm-to-market roads (FMRs).

In a statement Monday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the creation of the Interim Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit is part of the DA’s push to ensure that all infrastructure initiatives meet environmental and social standards.

“The recent controversy surrounding flood control projects underscores why we need a strong safeguards system,” Tiu Laurel said. “We cannot afford gray areas or blind spots. This watchdog unit ensures that every DA project is transparent, accountable, and fully aligned with environmental and social standards.”

The supervision of FMRs will return to the agency from the Department of Public Works and Highways beginning next year.

The DA faces a significant workload ahead as it takes full charge of rural road development. Of the 131,000 km. identified in the national FMR network plan, more than 60,000 km. have yet to be constructed.

These roads are expected to improve connectivity, lower transport costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and facilitate the flow of agricultural goods.

Beyond FMRs, the department is expanding its infrastructure footprint through food hubs, cold storage facilities, and rice mills.

The agency also noted France’s commitment to support the construction of around 300 steel bridges in 52 provinces to improve access for farmers in far-flung areas.

The newly formed SES Unit institutionalizes safeguard mechanisms initially developed under the World Bank–supported Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), including environmental assessments, social risk reviews, and stakeholder engagement protocols.

These tools will be adopted across DA offices, bureaus, attached agencies, and regional field units as the agency accelerates climate-resilient programs.

Tiu Laurel said the unit would craft a department-wide SES roadmap, harmonize standards, embed safeguards into planning and procurement processes, and strengthen compliance with national regulations and requirements.

The move aligns with the World Bank’s recommendation under PRDP scale-up to create permanent safeguards posts to ensure continuity.

Tiu Laurel said the strengthened safeguards structure is essential as the agency advances “sustainable, accountable, and community-protective” agricultural development.

The administrative order creating the SES Unit takes effect immediately. (PNA)