By Kenneth Marcos 
As farmers prepared their fields for another planting season, news from Manila brought a sense of hope to the countryside. The national government has approved the proposed 2026 national budget, and agriculture leaders say the plan gives stronger support to food producers who keep Filipino tables filled every day.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the approval of the 2026 national budget, highlighting the bigger allocation for the agriculture sector. He said the increase shows the government’s commitment to raising food production, improving rural livelihoods, and ensuring long-term food security for the country.
According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the higher budget will help fund key programs for farmers and fishers across the Philippines. These include support for rice, corn, vegetables, livestock, and fisheries, as well as irrigation projects, farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, and modern farming equipment.
Secretary Laurel said agriculture remains the backbone of many rural communities, especially for low- and middle-income families. By strengthening the sector, the government aims to stabilize food supply, reduce prices in the market, and protect consumers from sudden shortages caused by climate change, global conflicts, and rising production costs.
The DA chief stressed that food security is not only about having enough supply today, but also about preparing for the future. He pointed out that climate risks such as droughts, floods, and stronger typhoons continue to threaten local food production. With more funding, the DA plans to expand climate-resilient farming, improve early warning systems, and provide faster assistance to affected farmers.
The 2026 budget also supports the broader goal of rural development. Many farming areas still lack basic infrastructure, making it hard for farmers to bring their harvest to markets. Better roads, storage facilities, and processing centers are expected to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ income.
In recent years, the government has faced criticism over high food prices, especially rice, onions, sugar, and vegetables. Laurel said sustained investment in agriculture is one of the most effective ways to address these problems. When local production is strong, the country becomes less dependent on imports and more protected from price shocks in the global market.
He added that the budget aligns with the administration’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas,” where farmers and fishers are no longer among the poorest sectors. The DA aims to modernize agriculture by promoting mechanization, digital tools, and access to affordable credit, while also supporting small-scale producers who make up most of the sector.
For many farmers, government support can mean the difference between profit and loss. Inputs such as seeds, fertilizer, fuel, and animal feed have become more expensive, squeezing already thin margins. Laurel said the DA will continue to focus on programs that directly reach farmers and fishers on the ground.
As the country moves toward 2026, the agriculture department called on all sectors to support policies that protect local food producers and promote sustainable farming. Strengthening agriculture, Laurel said, is a shared responsibility that affects every Filipino household.
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