The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said it has about PHP250 million in funds to help boost the seed industry in the Philippines.

This comes after Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the inauguration of the refurbished National Seed Reserve Facility at the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) compound, with a capacity of 9,000 bags that can cater to regions across Luzon.

In an interview, the agriculture chief said the budget will help complete the establishment of solar-powered seed reserve facilities in select areas in the country.

“Alam ko (I know it’s) PHP250 million, if I remember correctly,” Tiu Laurel said, citing funding for the current year.

“The seed storage system will ensure that we have ample supply of seeds and buffer stock so that we are prepared for everything.”

Under the 2026 seed reserve funding, bigger and modernized facilities are being built in Bicol and Iloilo.

An even higher budget is eyed to further increase the number of solar-powered seed reserve facilities in the country in 2027, he said.

“Next year, we’re putting PHP300 million kasi ‘yun kailangan noon pati bagong building, bagong insulation, bagong panels, may racking system pa iyan (because that’s what needed there including the new building, new insulation, new panels and there’s even racking system),” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA chief added that seed reserves are crucial in supporting food systems and backing planting cycles of local farmers, especially in times of calamities.

“Kung sakaling may ma-washout man o ma-damage, naka-ready dapat ang national government na ma-provide ‘yung seeds needed para nga hindi maputol ‘yung supply nang ganun katagal o ganun kalaki at hindi mag-spike ang presyo (In case plantations have been washed out or damaged, the national government must be ready to provide the needed seeds to prevent the supply halt for a long period or for a large volume, to avoid spiking prices),” Tiu Laurel said.

In the long run, the government plans to put up seed facilities in all regions to ensure protection to both local farmers and consumers.

For its part, the BPI said it is also eyeing to enhance its seed system facilities in its BPI Centers in Baguio, Los Baños, Guimaras, Lagranja and Davao. (PNA)