Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued a call for creativity and unity within the Department of Agriculture as it faces critical scrutiny over its 2026 budget and proposed legislative reforms in Congress.
“We’ve come a long way, but the journey ahead remains long. While we have achieved much, there is still more to be done to realize our shared goal: to champion a prosperous farm, fisheries, and livestock sector that creates jobs for millions of Filipinos and ensures a food-secure Philippines,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said, opening the two-day management committee meeting of the country’s main food agency.
The proposed National Expenditure Program for 2026 sets the DA’s budget at P176.7 billion, a significant increase from this year’s P155.6 billion. This includes the P30 billion allocation for the Rice Enhancement Competitiveness Fund 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,” Secretary Tiu Laurel warned, highlighting a slowdown in fund obligations during the second quarter after a strong start earlier this year.
Amid these challenges, the DA is pushing amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, aiming to strengthen support for farmers and stakeholders and correcting policies that slows down the sector’s growth.
“We need to move as one unit—sharing our talents, acknowledging our limits, and paddling in unison, just as a dragon boat crew moves to the steady rhythm of a single beat—the beat of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for modern, inclusive, and resilient agriculture,” he said.
To bolster support for legislative reforms, Secretary Tiu Laurel recently met with Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga and Senator Francis Pangilinan, chairs of the House and Senate agriculture committees, rallying bipartisan backing for the reforms.
