AGAP Partylist Representative Nicanor Briones is appealing to the government to significantly increase the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) budget for the upcoming year. This increase is crucial to achieve the government’s food security goals.
During a media forum in Manila, Briones pointed out that the DA, which once ranked second in budget allocation, has now fallen to sixth place. He emphasized that if the government genuinely wants to strengthen the agricultural sector, it must provide a substantial budget. With adequate funding, he asserts, food security measures can be effectively implemented.
Briones insists that the DA’s budget should be P500 billion, not the proposed P237.4 billion, to adequately support all farmers in increasing their yield and production. The congressman’s statement comes amidst discussions for the proposed 2026 national budget, which is expected to allocate only a 10 percent increase to the DA.
In connection with this, Briones urges the government to consider a 30 percent increase in the DA’s budget, aiming to double it within three years.
