The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it will ensure that the PHP6.793 trillion national budget, which seeks to strengthen the agriculture sector in the Philippines, will really benefit farmers and fishers.
In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. vowed to look into the approved funding as the boosted support for the sector will enhance local food production and lead to long-term food security.
“We’re happy that the budget has finally been released, but we still need to review what the final version entails,” Tiu Laurel said.
The agriculture chief underscored the need for careful scrutiny to ensure that farmers and fishers, as well as consumers and other key stakeholders across the value chain, will benefit from the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
He also emphasized the need to prioritize ongoing reforms, including food security efforts, post-harvest support and modernization, climate adaptability, and resolutions on logistic challenges, among others.
“Public spending must translate into tangible benefits on the ground, not remain on paper,” Tiu Laurel stressed.
The DA was reportedly included among agencies with budget reallocations from flood control funds of the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure support to farmers and fishers.
Among the significant highlights are the additional support for the expanded “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program; PHP20 billion fund for the newly-enacted Animal Industry Competitiveness Act; PHP33 billion fund for farm-to-market roads (FMR) construction; and PHP30 billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). (PNA)