By Anthony Ian Reyes

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) presented a P205.8-billion budget proposal for 2026 during a forum in La Union, aiming to increase rice production, build rural infrastructure, and promote climate-resilient farming.  

The presentation was part of the ‘Usapang Budget Natin’ forum held at the Bacnotan Public Market on February 13. The program explains national spending to local communities. 

Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Nora C. Oliveros stated that the proposed fund is higher than the 2025 budget. She noted that this reflects the government’s focus on making agriculture a foundation of economic growth. 

She stressed that rice is still the priority.  

“For 2026, we allocated P30.9 billion for the National Rice Program to support seeds, fertilizers, and training,” Oliveros said. “These interventions aim to increase productivity and farmers’ income.”

She also highlighted the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which provides P10 billion every year for machinery, seeds, and loans, with extra funds going directly to small farmers as cash aid.  

To help farmers reach markets, the DA allotted P18.5 billion for farm-to-market roads.  

The proposed budget includes P5.3 billion for corn, P4.5 billion for livestock, and P6.8 billion for fisheries, alongside support for agro-industrial projects such as feed mills to strengthen local value chains.

Regarding climate risks, Oliveros said that the DA El Niño Task Force is active, providing water pumps, drought-ready seeds, and solar-powered irrigation.

She urged farmers and local governments to work with DA regional offices to access these 2026 programs and keep the food supply steady. (CCMT/ AIHR, PIA Region 1)

Published Date: February 18, 2026