The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking an additional P500 million to P1 billion in funding to enable the National Food Authority (NFA) to begin procuring corn from local farmers, in line with a government plan to diversify grain support beyond rice starting in 2026.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the initiative’s focus on white corn, which is a dietary staple in many Philippine regions and serves as a rice substitute. He noted that the NFA’s 134 refurbished warehouses would be essential in operationalizing this effort.
The proposed expansion in the NFA’s mandate, announced earlier by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is seen as strategically significant for food security and market stability, as it aims to ease pressure on rice demand and support farmer incomes.
However, industry leaders warned the initiative’s success depends heavily on adequate funding and infrastructure. Leonardo Montemayor, chairman of the Federation of Free Farmers, welcomed the plan but stressed that limited funding could undermine impact, particularly if it affects rice procurement efforts.
Meanwhile, Jayson Cainglet of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said the government’s market intervention in corn must be substantial—suggesting funding must match at least 5% of national corn output, though no precise amount was given. He added that current farmer concerns, including access to input subsidies and planting incentives, need urgent government attention to sustain production.
The DA has submitted the proposal for inclusion in the 2026 General Appropriations Act, and officials hope for early approval to jumpstart the pilot rollout.
