By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a packed meeting room on February 3, agriculture officials, regulators, and private sector representatives sat down for a detailed discussion on where public funds for farming and fisheries should go. Behind the figures and presentations was a shared concern: how to make sure every peso spent truly helps farmers, fishers, and agri-based businesses.
The National Agriculture and Fisheries Council Special Budget Committee continued its deliberations on the second day of consultations, reviewing plan and budget proposals from key Department of Agriculture–attached agencies and selected DA programs. The discussions are part of preparations for the DA’s proposed budgets for the coming fiscal year.
The meeting was called to order by NAF Council Chairperson Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc, who designated Engr. Rodolfo Tamayo, chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization, to preside over the session. In her opening remarks, Dr. Sayoc stressed that the Special Budget Committee plays a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and open dialogue between government and private sector stakeholders, especially when it comes to the use of public funds.
During the first part of the meeting, budget proposals were presented by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service.
The ACPC report, presented by Ms. Joan Basay of the Policy and Planning Division, pointed out that loans assisted by the agency still reach only a small portion of farmers. The discussion highlighted the need for stronger policy measures to encourage more banks to lend to agriculture. Members proposed studies on barriers to farm lending, particularly within government financial institutions, to better direct credit to farmers. ACPC noted that such studies could be carried out in 2026 using its research budget.
The PCIC presentation, delivered by Mr. Arvin Jasper R. Adan of the Actuarial Research and Product Valuation Department, focused on how the agency is responding to concerns raised by civil society groups. These include an ongoing review of its swine insurance policy to address African swine fever challenges. PCIC also reported efforts to expand insurance coverage by working closely with local government units and partners, especially for underserved crops and areas.
PCIC further shared plans to support legislation that would extend its corporate life and improve service delivery. Among these improvements are digital payment options to allow faster and checkless release of indemnities to farmers.
AMAS, represented by Engr. Anne Glyn Lisbo of the Agri-Business Investment Promotion Division, presented its proposed budget, which includes a significant increase in 2027. The funds will support market information systems, market matching initiatives, and the expansion of Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers. She explained that some enterprise development programs were discontinued due to budget reprioritization. Committee members emphasized the need for AMAS to strengthen marketing strategies, support trade-related events, and improve market access for local producers.
The second half of the meeting featured presentations from the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program, the National Tobacco Administration, and the DA Information and Communications Technology Service.
Following the F2C2 presentation, the committee advised the program to benchmark its cooperative models against successful initiatives in countries such as Thailand. Members also urged stronger clustering of rice farmers to maximize the use of Rice Processing Centers and faster completion of guidelines for livestock clustering to better support backyard raisers.
ICTS Director Honorio Flameño reported the recent launch of the DA Command Center on February 2. The facility is meant to strengthen the National Information Network and support data-driven decision-making. The committee stressed the need to fast-track databases that provide timely market and production information to stakeholders.
The NTA report highlighted continued coordination with customs and law enforcement agencies to combat tobacco smuggling, alongside production support for tobacco farmers. Increasing domestic production was seen as one way to help reduce illegal trade.
As discussions closed, committee members reiterated the importance of matching program priorities with realistic budgets. The goal, they said, is to ensure that government spending delivers real benefits on the ground and supports a more resilient and competitive agriculture sector.
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