By Kenneth Marcos 
Farmers and officials gathered around long tables on February 27, 2026, knowing that the decisions made that day could shape the future of fruits and vegetables on Filipino tables.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) convened a consultation on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal for its National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc and brought together key agencies under the Department of Agriculture to review past performance and set new priorities.
Among those present were representatives from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), and the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). The consultation aimed to assess accomplishments, review current budget allocations, and refine funding proposals to better support farmers across the country.
During the discussion, BPI reported an 85.42 percent budget utilization rate for Fiscal Year 2025 under the High Value Crops Development Program. This means most of its allocated funds were used for planned activities. For FY 2027, BPI proposed a budget of Php 118.57 million. The amount will focus on production support, pest and disease management, extension services, and field program management. These efforts are critical as fruit and vegetable farmers continue to face threats from plant diseases, rising input costs, and extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, NUPAP presented a proposed budget of Php 922.06 million for FY 2027. The program plans to expand urban and peri-urban agriculture projects. These include irrigation systems, community seed programs, and agricultural facilities in cities and nearby towns. Urban gardening has gained attention in recent years as more families look for ways to secure fresh food and additional income, especially during economic challenges and climate disruptions.
The High Value Crops Development Program also outlined its priority commodities and initiatives for 2027. These include community-based nurseries, sustainable agro-forestry enterprises, upgrades to tissue culture laboratories, and value-adding activities. Improving nurseries and planting materials can help farmers increase yields and income, while value-adding activities such as food processing can open new market opportunities.
To further strengthen the sector, the Committee recommended creating a Technical Working Group. This group will update agricultural technologies and information materials to ensure farmers receive accurate and timely guidance. Members also proposed support for urban farmers in Quezon City who are seeking an ordinance addendum to allow deep well irrigation during El Niño. Water access becomes a serious concern during prolonged dry spells, affecting crop survival and productivity.
The Committee also emphasized the need for impact assessment and a stronger monitoring system for fruit and vegetable interventions. This will help ensure that government programs produce measurable results and directly benefit farmers.
At the end of the meeting, the National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables endorsed the FY 2027 budget proposals of BPI and NUPAP for approval by the Department of Agriculture. Stakeholders’ comments will be incorporated in the final refinement process.
Fruits and vegetables remain vital to the country’s food security, nutrition, and farm income. Proper planning and responsible budgeting are key to building a stronger and more resilient agricultural sector. As consultations continue, farmers and consumers alike hope that these plans will lead to better harvests, stable prices, and improved livelihoods in the years ahead.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News