Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called for creativity and unity within the department as it faces scrutiny over its 2026 budget and proposed legislative reforms.
“We’ve come a long way, but the journey ahead remains long,” he said at the opening of the department’s two-day Management Committee meeting.
“While we have achieved much, there is still more to do to realize our shared goal: a prosperous farm, fisheries, and livestock sector that creates jobs for millions of Filipinos and ensures a food-secure Philippines,” said Tiu-Laurel
The proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program sets the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) budget at P176.7 billion, up from P155.6 billion this year.
Highlights of the budget proposal include a tripled P30 billion allocation for the Rice Enhancement Competitiveness Fund (RCEF) and P43.9 billion for national programs supporting rice, corn, high-value crops, organic agriculture, livestock and urban farming.
“We must perform well. We cannot ask for more resources if we fail to deliver,” Tiu-Laurel said, noting a slowdown in fund obligations in the second quarter after a strong start earlier in the year.
The DA is also pushing for amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act to strengthen support for farmers and address policies that hinder sectoral growth.
“We need to move as one unit, sharing our talents, acknowledging our limits, and paddling in unison, like a dragon boat crew following a single beat, the beat of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for modern, inclusive, and resilient agriculture,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA recently met with House and Senate agriculture committee chairs, Rep. Mark Enverga and Senator Francis Pangilinan, to rally bipartisan support.
