Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. made a passionate appeal to lawmakers on Monday, urging the House of Representatives to approve in full the Department of Agriculture’s proposed P176.7-billion budget for 2026. He described the allocation as a long-overdue investment in the country’s food producers and a critical step toward modernizing Philippine agriculture.

Speaking before the House Committee on Appropriations, Tiu Laurel emphasized the persistent neglect of the agriculture sector, despite its foundational role in the economy.

“Despite their unmatched effort, many still harvest hope more than profit. Many cast their nets with uncertainty rather than security,” he said, referring to the country’s farmers and fisherfolk.

According to the DA chief, nearly 10 million agricultural and fisheries workers—roughly one-fifth of the national workforce—continue to live in poverty due to limited access to technology, markets, and financing.

The proposed budget centers on five strategic pillars:

– Boosting productivity through irrigation, quality seeds, fertilizer, and science-based practices 

– Modernizing operations with machinery, post-harvest facilities, and digital tools 

– Strengthening value chains via logistics, cold storage, and farm-to-market roads 

– Expanding market access through programs like Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Rice for All 

– Protecting livelihoods with crop insurance, disaster preparedness, and accessible credit

Tiu Laurel stressed that the goal is not just to increase food production, but to ensure that every Filipino family has access to nutritious, affordable meals—and that those who grow the food can live with dignity.

“Let’s build a future where the child of a farmer no longer dreams of leaving the farm—but of improving it,” he said in closing.

The budget proposal is part of the administration’s broader push to uplift rural communities and secure long-term food security for the nation.