By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise, farmers in Central Luzon check their palay fields, hoping the price they will get after harvest can finally cover rising costs. In city markets, families line up early, asking vendors if affordable rice is still available. These everyday scenes show why the challenges facing the Department of Agriculture (DA) in 2026 matter to millions of Filipinos.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency’s biggest tests next year will be keeping palay prices fair for farmers, expanding the P20-per-kilo rice program for consumers, and speeding up the construction of farm-to-market roads across the country.
The DA chief said farmers continue to struggle with high production costs, including fertilizer, fuel, and labor. When farmgate prices fall too low, many farmers end up losing money or sinking deeper into debt. Ensuring a fair and stable price for palay remains a priority so farmers can earn enough to sustain their livelihood and continue producing rice.
At the same time, the government is pushing to widen access to P20-per-kilo rice, a program aimed at helping low-income families cope with high food prices. The initiative is seen as a key support for workers, senior citizens, and vulnerable households who spend a large part of their income on food.
Balancing these two goals is not easy. If rice prices are pushed too low for consumers, farmers may suffer. If prices are raised to help farmers, poor families may struggle to buy enough rice. Tiu Laurel said the DA must carefully manage supply, imports, and local production to protect both farmers and consumers.
Another major challenge is infrastructure. Farm-to-market roads are meant to connect farms to trading centers and markets, reducing transport costs and post-harvest losses. Many rural areas still rely on rough or unfinished roads, making it harder for farmers to bring their produce to buyers, especially during the rainy season.
Delays in road projects often mean higher costs and lower profits for farmers. Poor roads can also lead to spoilage, which affects food supply and prices in urban areas. The DA said improving these roads is critical to strengthening the entire food value chain, from farm to table.
The agriculture sector remains a backbone of the Philippine economy, employing millions of Filipinos. However, it faces ongoing pressures from climate risks, fluctuating global prices, and limited resources. The DA has stressed the need for better planning, coordination with local governments, and proper use of funds to meet its goals in 2026.
Experts say that clear policies, timely support for farmers, and transparent implementation of programs will be crucial. Investments in irrigation, post-harvest facilities, and logistics must go hand in hand with price interventions to ensure long-term food security.
As the country looks ahead to 2026, the success of these efforts will affect not just farmers in the fields, but also families buying rice every day. The challenge for the DA is to strike a balance that allows farmers to earn fairly while keeping rice affordable for all Filipinos.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News