Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. praised the passage of the proposed 2026 national budget, highlighting its higher allocation for the agriculture sector as a boost for food production, rural development, and long-term food security.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr signed on Monday the P6.793 Trillion national budget for 2026. He said the increased outlay—particularly for infrastructure, farming support, and postharvest facilities—could enhance productivity, reduce losses, and stabilize supply.
Investments in farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, storage, and cold chain facilities are seen as critical to improving farmer incomes while keeping consumer prices stable.
However, Tiu Laurel cautioned that the real impact will depend on the final details of the General Appropriations Act (GAA), which still need careful review.
“I haven’t seen the actual GAA in its entirety, so it’s difficult to comment on all the details,” he said. “We’re happy that the budget has finally been released, but we still need to review what the final version entails.”
Media reports show the Department of Agriculture (DA) is among agencies whose budgets were strengthened through reallocation of flood-control funds. The budget for farm-to-market roads has been doubled to P33 billion, while the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund has been tripled to P30 billion.
A P20 billion allocation will fund the new Animal Industry Competitiveness Act, and additional resources have been earmarked for the expanded Benteng Bigas “Meron Na” program.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that proper scrutiny is needed to ensure funds reach farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders across the value chain. He stressed that public spending must translate into tangible benefits on the ground, not remain on paper.
The secretary also highlighted the importance of aligning budget priorities with ongoing reforms, including modernization, climate resilience, and food security. Postharvest support remains a key focus, addressing losses from inadequate storage and logistics.
The 2026 budget is expected to help the sector withstand climate risks, market volatility, and supply disruptions while supporting a more competitive and sustainable Philippine agriculture.
