DA pushes higher budget for 2026, urges faster program delivery

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking a bigger budget for 2026 while pressing its ranks to speed up the delivery of programs to farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued the call during the DA’s two-day Management Committee meeting, warning that the agency’s second-quarter slowdown in fund obligations must be addressed if it hopes to secure more resources.

“We must perform well. We cannot ask for more resources if we fail to deliver,” Tiu Laurel said, likening the DA’s efforts to a dragon boat crew “paddling in unison” to realize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for modern, inclusive, and resilient agriculture.

The DA’s proposed P176.7 billion budget for 2026 is over 12% higher than this year’s P155.6 billion, including a P30 billion allocation for the Rice Enhancement Competitiveness Fund—triple its current level—and P43.9 billion for national programs covering rice, corn, high-value crops, organic farming, livestock, and urban agriculture.

Tiu Laurel urged the agency to sustain reforms that strengthen agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to secure the country’s food supply while creating more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos.