DA Eyes Tighter Market Monitoring as 2026 Budget Boosts Agriculture Sector
Manila, Philippines -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to intensify market monitoring and implement stronger measures to help ease food inflation, as Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the passage of the proposed 2026 national budget, citing its expanded allocation for the agriculture sector.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law on Monday the PHP6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, which includes higher funding aimed at boosting food production, rural development, and long-term food security.
Tiu Laurel said the increased budget—particularly for infrastructure, farming support, and postharvest facilities—has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce losses, and stabilize food supply. Investments in farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, storage, and cold chain facilities are expected to improve farmer incomes while helping keep consumer prices in check.
However, the agriculture chief cautioned that the full impact of the budget will depend on the final provisions of the General Appropriations Act (GAA), which still require careful review.
“I haven’t seen the actual GAA in its entirety, so it’s difficult to comment on all the details,” Tiu Laurel said. “We’re happy that the budget has finally been released, but we still need to review what the final version entails.”
Media reports indicate that the DA is among the agencies whose budgets were increased through the reallocation of flood-control funds. The allocation for farm-to-market roads has doubled to PHP33 billion, while the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund has been tripled to PHP30 billion. The budget also includes PHP20 billion for the proposed Animal Industry Competitiveness Act and additional funding for the expanded Benteng Bigas “Meron Na” program.
Tiu Laurel stressed the need for close scrutiny to ensure that funds reach farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. He emphasized that public spending must translate into real, on-the-ground benefits.
He also underscored the importance of aligning the budget with ongoing reforms focused on modernization, climate resilience, and food security, noting that postharvest support remains a priority in addressing losses caused by inadequate storage and logistics.
The 2026 national budget is expected to help the agriculture sector withstand climate risks, market volatility, and supply disruptions, while supporting a more competitive and sustainable Philippine agriculture.
NPO News Team I DA-PR
