The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is optimistic that a higher budget allocation for the agriculture sector under the 2026 national budget will strengthen local food production, rural development, and long-term food security.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the P6.793-trillion national budget signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. includes increased funding for farm infrastructure, production support, and post-harvest facilities. He said investments in farm-to-market roads, irrigation, storage, and cold chain facilities could raise productivity, reduce losses, improve farmer incomes, and help keep food prices stable.
However, Tiu Laurel said the actual impact will depend on the final version of the General Appropriations Act, which still needs careful review. He stressed that funds must reach farmers and fisherfolk and result in real improvements on the ground.
The DA said its budget was strengthened through the reallocation of flood-control funds. Funding for farm-to-market roads was doubled to P33 billion, while the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund was tripled to P30 billion. Additional allocations were also made for the new Animal Industry Competitiveness Act and the expanded P20-per-kilo rice program.
Meanwhile, the DA expects rice imports to decline as domestic production reaches record levels. Rice imports in 2026 are projected at 3.6 million to 3.8 million metric tons, lower than previous years, as palay output is forecast to reach about 20.3 million metric tons, surpassing the record 20.06 million metric tons harvested in 2023.
