Senate approves DA’s P184 billion budget for 2026

MANILA, Philippines, November 20 ------ The Senate has approved the Department of Agriculture’s proposed P184.1-billion budget for 2026, a move the DA said would strengthen initiatives to improve food security and support rural development.

During plenary debates Tuesday night, senators expressed willingness to consider higher allocations for the DA during the upcoming bicameral conference committee. Under the approved proposal, the Office of the Secretary will receive P140.02 billion, followed by the Agriculture Credit Policy Council (P3.36 billion), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (P11.61 billion), Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (P423.23 million), National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (P743.51 million) and the National Meat Inspection Service (P677.49 million).

Also included in the allocations are the Philippine Carabao Center (P959.34 million), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (P479.89 million), Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (P264.40 million) and Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (P677.15 million). Attached agencies will also receive funding, including the National Dairy Authority (P531.02 million), National Food Authority (P11.29 billion), Philippine Coconut Authority (P1.92 billion), Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (P7 billion), Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (P2.11 billion), Philippine Rice Research Institute (P979.83 million) and Sugar Regulatory Administration (P1.02 billion).

Source: philstar.com