MANILA - Air Force planes will deliver fish and produce to remote Philippine islands as the agriculture department builds a "food skyway," an official said Thursday.

Cargo aircraft will deliver fish from Samar, Surigao, Davao, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawitawi, Palawan and Mindoro to the mainland, said Agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

On return trips to the islands, the planes will deliver vegetables and other crops, he said.

"The program is not only expected to ensure the availability of affordable fish in the market but also encourage fishermen to catch more as there would already be a system to bring their catch to the market," he said.

Pinol said he would sign a memorandum of understanding with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the "food skyway" next week.