DA Pledges Stronger Support, Improved Livelihoods for Farmers and Fishers in 2026
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has committed to intensifying its support for Filipino farmers and fishers in 2026, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen food security, ensure affordability, and improve access to basic commodities.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency is rolling out additional mechanisms and reforms next year to further uplift the agriculture sector and stabilize farmers’ income.
“I just want to greet everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Tiu Laurel said in a year-end interview on Tuesday, expressing optimism for the year ahead. “You can expect that next year will be better for everyone now that the DA is more prepared to address various challenges and situations.”
The agriculture chief said President Marcos is keen on ensuring decent and sustainable income for farmers and fishers. Among the key measures lined up for 2026 is the close monitoring of rice importation to prevent oversupply, which could negatively affect farm-gate prices of locally produced palay.
To further support farmers, the DA will continue the National Food Authority’s (NFA) palay procurement program to strengthen the national rice buffer stock and sustain the government’s ₱20-per-kilo rice initiative under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program.
Other priority initiatives include the full operationalization of the DA Command Center, expansion of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, and accelerated construction of farm-to-market roads, food terminals, cold storage facilities, rice processing centers, and deep-water ports.
“Ang tanging hangad ng ating Pangulo at ng DA ay maayos ang kabuhayan at kumita kayo ng maayos,” Tiu Laurel said, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to improving rural livelihoods and strengthening the country’s food system.
— NPO News Team | PNA
