Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday urged the House Committee on Appropriations to approve the agency’s proposed PHP176.7 billion budget for 2026 without cuts, saying it would boost investment in farmers and fishers while addressing long-standing gaps in the sector.

Speaking during the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) budget deliberations, Tiu Laurel emphasized that agricultural support must go beyond food security under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stressing the importance of raising farmers’ income to strengthen local production.

“Our goal is not simply to grow more food, but to ensure that every Filipino family has access to healthy, affordable meals. And that those who grow our food can live lives of dignity, not desperation,” he said.

The DA chief lamented the “chronic neglect” of the agriculture sector, calling it the “backbone of the Philippine economy.”

“This is not the future they deserve, and this is the reality we must change together,” Tiu Laurel added.

He noted that about 10 million agriculture workers, or one in every five farmers and fishers, continue to live in poverty.

“Despite their unmatched effort, many still harvest hope more than profit. Many cast their nets with uncertainty rather than security,” he said.

The proposed budget covers programs to increase productivity, modernize farming, strengthen value chains, and improve infrastructure such as cold storage and farm-to-market roads.

It also funds initiatives like Kadiwa ng Pangulo, Rice for All, and disaster preparedness measures.

Key projects include the expansion of irrigation systems, provision of seeds and fertilizers, mechanization, post-harvest facilities, digitalization, crop insurance, and accessible credit to help transform the sector. (PNA)