By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise on Monday, farmers in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro watched heavy equipment roll into their barangays. For many, it was a hopeful sign that long trips carrying rice, vegetables, and other produce may soon be shorter, cheaper, and less tiring.
On February 2, 2026, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. led the launch of two major farm-to-market projects in Oriental Mindoro. The projects aim to raise farm incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen food security in one of the country’s key food-producing provinces.
The Department of Agriculture said the new farm-to-market road projects will directly help farmers bring their harvests to trading posts, markets, and buyers faster. Poor road conditions have long been a problem in many rural areas, forcing farmers to spend more on transport and suffer losses when produce spoils before reaching consumers.
Secretary Tiu Laurel said improving basic infrastructure like farm roads is critical to keeping food prices stable and ensuring farmers earn more from their hard work. With better access, traders can reach farms more easily, and farmers can sell their products at better prices.
Alongside the infrastructure projects, the DA also expanded the P20 per kilo rice program, known as “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, in Oriental Mindoro. The rice is being sold through the KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets, which connect local producers directly to consumers.
The P20 rice initiative is designed to help low-income families cope with the rising cost of living while ensuring farmers still have a steady market for their palay. According to the DA, around 70,000 families across Oriental Mindoro are expected to benefit from the expanded program.
Under KADIWA ng Pangulo, rice and other basic food items are sold at lower prices by cutting out middlemen and reducing logistics costs. The government buys rice from local farmers at fair prices, then sells it directly to consumers, especially in vulnerable communities.
Oriental Mindoro plays an important role in the country’s food supply. The province produces rice, vegetables, fruits, and fish that are shipped to Metro Manila and nearby regions. Any disruption in its production or transport can affect food availability and prices in other parts of the country.
The DA said the combination of farm-to-market roads and affordable rice programs creates a cycle of support. Farmers benefit from better infrastructure and guaranteed markets, while consumers gain access to cheaper and more reliable food supplies.
Agriculture groups in the province welcomed the projects, saying these address long-standing problems faced by small farmers. Many have struggled with high fuel costs, damaged roads, and low farm-gate prices, which reduce their income despite long hours of work.
The DA also emphasized that these initiatives are part of the broader goal of achieving food security and a “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” where farmers are empowered and communities are protected from hunger.
As construction begins and rice distribution expands, farmers and families in Oriental Mindoro are hoping the promises translate into lasting improvements on the ground. For now, the arrival of projects and affordable rice has given many a renewed sense of optimism for the coming harvests.
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