Agriculture
PCIC budget jumps to P6.5B, expands free crop insurance for farmers
The government has raised the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) budget to a record P6.5 billion in 2026, up 45 percent from P4.5 billion last year, to give farmers and fisherfolk stronger protection against crop losses.
DA draws line on farmland conversion in food security push
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has delivered a bold policy pivot, ordering an immediate freeze on all new agricultural land reclassification applications as the Department of Agriculture (DA) moves to fortify the nation’s food security strategy and shield precious farmland from rapid conversion pressures.
DA pushes limited rice varieties to improve processing efficiency
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is encouraging rice farmers in areas covered by rice processing systems (RPS) to plant only one or two rice varieties per area to speed up processing and reduce costs.
DA expands ₱20 rice program in Aklan
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded the rollout of its ₱20-per-kilo rice program in Aklan to help keep rice affordable for low-income families while supporting local farmers.
DA secures palay buying commitment ahead of harvests, despite rice imports
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has secured firm commitments from rice millers and importers to buy local palay at minimum prices, even as imported rice enters the market.
