The House of Representatives has raised the agriculture sector’s budget to ₱292.9 billion under its version of the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), aiming to strengthen support for farmers and fisherfolk, improve rural infrastructure, and expand farm mechanization.
House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson and Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mika Suansing said on Saturday, December 13 that lawmakers added ₱53.8 billion to the agriculture cluster, underscoring the chamber’s push for food security and rural development.
“Of this amount, ₱10 billion is provided for the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk, which is expected to benefit around 1.43 million farmers and fisherfolk,” Suansing said.
The House version also increased funding for farm-to-market roads and irrigation by ₱35.5 billion, raising the total allocation for these projects to ₱74.5 billion.
Another ₱30 billion was earmarked for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to support farm mechanization and provide production inputs to boost yields and lower costs.
Additional allocations include ₱1 billion for crop insurance, ₱2.4 billion for the construction of deep-water ports to improve agricultural logistics, and ₱200 million for the implementation of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.
“Lahat po ito ay para matulungan ang ating mga bayaning magsasaka na bumaba ang kanilang gastusin at mapataas ang kanilang ani at kita,” Suansing said, adding that the budget aims to reduce input costs, improve market access, and strengthen the agriculture sector’s resilience.