DA Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. – Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture/Facebook.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to accelerate farm modernization following the approval of a P215-billion budget under the P6.793-trillion 2026 national spending plan.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the funding will help lower production costs, improve efficiency, and enable farmers and fisherfolk to earn more from the same effort.
The budget emphasizes digitalization, modern data systems, and online platforms to enhance transparency, speed up service delivery, and ensure government support reaches intended beneficiaries.
The agriculture sector’s increase comes after the reallocation of P255 billion from flood control funds to priority programs and projects, including farm modernization initiatives.
Key infrastructure projects include postharvest facilities, irrigation systems, and cold storage units aimed at reducing losses and boosting productivity across the country.
The DA plans to construct new cold examination facilities in Manila, Subic, Zambales, and Davao to strengthen protection against plant, animal, and other diseases, as well as prevent smuggling of agricultural commodities.
Tiu Laurel stressed that the agency will carefully review the final General Appropriations Act to ensure budget priorities align with ongoing reforms in modernization, climate resilience, and food security.