Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday welcomed Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s commitment to push for a higher agriculture budget through 2028, citing the sector’s critical role in food security, job generation, and economic growth.
During a budget briefing on the Department of Agriculture’s proposed ₱176.7 billion allocation under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Pangilinan — who chairs the Senate committee on agriculture and vice chair of the committee on ways and means — said the agency’s proposed funding remains inadequate to meet its modernization targets.
“The agriculture budget must increase every year until we hit half a trillion pesos by 2028,” Pangilinan told reporters after the briefing. He also called for a significant portion of the ₱250 billion President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to reallocate from flood control projects to be directed toward agriculture.
In response, Secretary Tiu Laurel assured lawmakers of the DA’s commitment to transparency and performance, in line with President Marcos’ vision of a resilient and modern agricultural system.
“We must perform well if we seek more resources from our lawmakers,” he said. “We owe it to our farmers, fisherfolk, and all stakeholders—as well as to the consumers—to account for every centavo entrusted to us.”
Tiu Laurel expressed gratitude to Pangilinan for his continued support, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in agriculture to ensure stable food supply, better incomes for producers, and price stability for consumers.
