Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to accelerate the rollout of major support programs for Filipino farmers and fishers, citing their crucial role in ensuring national food security and economic resilience.
In a statement marking Farmers and Fisherfolk Month this May, Tiu Laurel emphasized the government’s responsibility to act swiftly and decisively to aid agricultural workers. “Let us do our part—because every day we spend in public service is a day truly felt by those who need it most,” he said through undersecretary for administration Allan Umali, who chairs the DA’s month-long tribute to the sector.
The directive is aimed at fast-tracking policy measures under the Marcos administration, including raising the National Food Authority’s (NFA) palay procurement price to boost rice farmers’ incomes, expanding warehouse and post-harvest infrastructure, and tripling the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund budget to improve yields.
Additional measures include scaling up the DA’s AgriPuhunan and Pantawid support programs and strengthening the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s loan initiatives, providing easier access to capital for planting and interim support before harvest.
Tiu Laurel framed the push as part of a broader commitment to recognize and empower the nation’s “heroes in the fields and at sea.”
