What are ghost farm-to-market roads?
Ghost farm-to-market roads (FMRs) refer to projects that appear in planning and budget documents but either do not exist on the ground or fail to meet the stated standards. In Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has flagged such cases as part of a broader audit into alleged corruption in rural infrastructure funding. The initial findings point to substandard workmanship, misrepresentation of project scope, and, in some instances, complete non-existence of identified roads. The audit aims to separate legitimate improvements from fraudulent entries that divert resources away from farmers and rural communities.
DA audit findings in Mindanao
According to the ongoing review, two Mindanao provinces are the focus of the first wave of findings. Investigators reviewed procurement records, project documents, and physical verifications to determine whether listed FMRs correspond to actual roads. Early results suggest a mix of issues: some projects show minimal or no progress beyond paperwork, while others exhibit discrepancies between what was funded and what was delivered. The DA emphasizes that these are preliminary findings and that the audit will widen its scope as more data is examined.
Provinces under review
The two Mindanao provinces identified in the initial phase are undergoing intensive documentation checks, site verifications, and cross-agency coordination. Officials caution that the review is a work in progress and that later disclosures may adjust the list of affected areas as records are reconciled with field evidence.
Verification and accountability measures
To ensure accuracy, the DA is coordinating with the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to verify road locations, project contracts, cost breakdowns, and actual physical outputs. If discrepancies are confirmed, the department will pursue appropriate remedies, which may include reimbursement of funds, contract remedies, or legal action. The audit also seeks to strengthen internal controls to prevent similar schemes in future infrastructure programs.
Why this matters to farmers and communities
Farm-to-market roads are a lifeline for farmers, reducing travel time, lowering transport costs, and improving access to markets, seeds, and extension services. Ghost FMRs undermine these benefits by inflating budgets, delaying or eroding essential improvements, and eroding trust in government programs. For farmers who rely on reliable road links to move perishable produce, the distinction between a planned project and a delivered road is not academic—it directly affects livelihoods, local economies, and food security in rural Mindanao.
The path forward
The DA has signaled that the audit is in its early stages and will extend to additional provinces if needed. Officials say findings will be shared transparently, with details on identified irregularities, responsible parties, and proposed corrective actions. Strengthening procurement rules, improving project verification before funding releases, and establishing tighter post-project monitoring are among the reforms being pursued. Civil society groups and farmers’ associations have welcomed the focus on accountability, urging timely publication of results and practical steps to ensure that funds reach real, measurable improvements on the ground.
Conclusion
The discovery of ghost FMRs in Mindanao underscores the vulnerability of rural infrastructure programs to fraud, but it also highlights a determined push for greater transparency and accountability. As the DA extends its audit and tightens oversight, the goal remains clear: ensure that every peso spent on farm-to-market roads translates into safer, more reliable routes for farmers to reach markets, thereby supporting inclusive growth in Mindanao’s agricultural sector.
