DA asks for P220B for 2027 

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has proposed P220 billion for its proposed 2027 budget to bolster the local farm sector.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the proposed budget is P60 billion more than the P160- billion ceiling set by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

DA’s 2026  budget is P215 billion.

The DA is also asking P32 to P33 billion for the construction of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects next year, but the DBM ceiling is  P16 billion.

“Wherever I go, farmers and even fisherfolk request FMRs, especially given the recent fuel crisis; roads are crucial to reduce their logistics cost,” Laurel told reporters.

This year, the DA got additional funding from the House of Representatives, which realigned the P255 billion originally allotted for flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Among these was the higher budget for FMRs, which has been doubled to P33 billion.

He said the DA’s increased budget for 2026 is a boost for food production, rural development, and long-term food security.

The proposed budget would officially include the P20 billion funding under the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act (Aidca), which has not been included in the agency’s 2026 GAA.

The Aidca allocated P20 billion annually over the next decade through the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (Ancef) to strengthen the livestock sector.

The fund consists of tariffs collected from imported livestock, poultry, and dairy products.

Among the agencies that will receive an allocation from the Ancef is the National Dairy Authority (NDA), for P1.53-billion  that it would receive  to bankroll its digitalization program.

Laurel said the proposed budget also earmarked P1 billion for the agency’s El Niño response, with farmers receiving P500 million, and fisherfolk getting the remaining balance.