Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday made a strong appeal to the House of Representatives to approve in full the Department of Agriculture’s proposed ₱176.7-billion budget for 2026, calling it a critical investment in the country’s future and a long-overdue support for the nation’s food producers.
Speaking before the House Committee on Appropriations, Tiu Laurel underscored the chronic neglect of the agriculture sector—despite its role as a backbone of the Philippine economy.
“The truth is plain to see: our farmers and fisherfolk remain among the most vulnerable in our society,” the agriculture secretary said.
“Despite their unmatched effort, many still harvest hope more than profit. Many cast their nets with uncertainty rather than security.” He pointed out that around 10 million workers in agriculture and fisheries—around 1 in every 5 workers—continue to live in poverty, weighed down by limited access to technology, markets, and financing. “This is not the future they deserve—and this is the reality we must change together,” he told lawmakers.
Tiu Laurel noted that the proposed budget reflects the government’s intention to modernize Philippine agriculture and uplift the countryside.
He said it is time to match the sector’s contribution to the nation with meaningful investments.
“We will invest in our farmers and fisherfolk because they have invested their lives in us,” he said.
The budget proposal, he said, focuses on five key pillars:
- Boosting productivity through irrigation, quality seeds, fertilizer, and science-based practices
- Modernizing operations via machinery, post-harvest facilities, and digital tools
- Strengthening value chains through logistics, cold storage, and farm-to-market roads
- Expanding market access with programs like Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Rice for All
- Protecting livelihoods with crop insurance, disaster preparedness, and accessible credit
“Our goal is not simply to grow more food—but to ensure that every Filipino family has access to healthy, affordable meals. And that those who grow our food can live lives of dignity, not desperation.” In closing, Tiu Laurel called on lawmakers to envision a future where farming and fishing are not just about survival, but genuine prosperity.
“Let’s build a future where the child of a farmer no longer dreams of leaving the farm—but of improving it. Where the next generation sees hope, not hardship, in the soil and the sea,” he said.
