HR01209: RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO RELEASE ITS CRITERIA IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF FARM TO MARKET ROAD (FMR) PROJECTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS OF THE COUNTRY, REVIEW THE LISTING INCLUDED IN THE 2021 NATIONAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAM AND PR
House Resolution No. 1209 addresses the issue of the Department of Agriculture (DA) not reflecting priority Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) projects identified by Legislative District Representatives in the National Expenditure Program for two consecutive years. This is seen as a violation of Section 24, Article 6 of the Constitution, which states that appropriation bills originate exclusively in the House of Representatives. The resolution directs the DA to release its criteria for identifying FMR projects, review the 2021 National Expenditure Program listing, and prioritize projects submitted by District Representatives.
The significance of this resolution lies in its aim to ensure greater equity and responsiveness to the needs of farmers. By requiring the DA to prioritize projects submitted by district representatives, the resolution seeks to empower local communities and ensure that FMR projects directly address their needs, improving the mobility of goods and services, and ultimately benefiting the general public in agricultural areas. This could lead to better infrastructure for farmers, facilitating the transport of their produce and potentially increasing their income.