Laurel to seek P220-billion agriculture budget for 2027

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is proposing a P220-billion budget for 2027, which would exceed the indicative ceiling given to the department of P160 billion.

Mr. Laurel said budget priorities include the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF), which requires a P20-billion annual budget. The AnCEF aims to boost the livestock, poultry, and dairy industries by providing funding to combat animal diseases, support farmers, and improve food security.

He added that the DA requested a budget of up to P33 billion for farm-to-market road projects, little changed from funding allocated in 2026.

The DA said farm-to-market roads are among the most requested projects by farmers and fisherfolk because of the potential to lower logistics costs.

Mr. Laurel said the DA would need P500 billion annually for at least five years to strengthen agriculture.

“If we really want to prosper in agriculture, including (irrigation), we need P500 billion a year of investment for at least five years,” Mr. Laurel told reporters.

He added that much will depend on the available fiscal space.

“We will work with what we have and make the most of it,” Mr. Laurel said.

Senator Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan said he will block the DA’s proposed budget if the DA and the Bureau of Customs fail to appear in the Senate to explain the oversupply of commodities like onions.

Mr. Laurel said the DA’s import estimates are largely accurate, and blamed the oversupply on the late arrival of imports due to port congestion between November and January this year. When they were finally released onto the market, the result was oversupply.

The DA was allocated P215 billion in the 2026 national budget. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza