Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has committed to providing increased support and improved livelihood opportunities for Filipino farmers and fishers in 2026. This initiative is in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives aimed at ensuring food security, affordability, and accessibility.

According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that additional mechanisms are set to be implemented starting next year. In a recent year-end interview, he conveyed optimism for the agricultural sector's future, stating, "You can expect that next year should be a bit better for everybody now that we are all set at DA to address all the possible situations and scenarios."

The President's strategy includes ensuring a decent income for the sector. Initial plans to boost farmers' income involve close monitoring and coordination with rice importers to avoid an oversupply of imported rice, which could impact local palay (unhusked rice) prices.

Other efforts include the National Food Authority's continuous purchase of palay from local farmers to maintain the national rice buffer stock. Additionally, the DA plans to support the PHP20 per kilogram rice sale under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na initiative next year. This will be complemented by the operationalization of DA's command center, the expansion of Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP), and the construction or launching of farm-to-market roads, food hubs, cold storage, rice processing facilities, and deep water ports.

Tiu Laurel emphasized the commitment of the President and the DA to ensuring a stable livelihood for farmers and fishers. "Our president and the DA just want to ensure a stable livelihood and for you to earn decently," he stated.