MANILA—Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan expressed support for the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposed amendments to its 2026 budget, highlighting the need to prioritize funding for farmers, fishers, and food security initiatives.

“The DA’s additional proposal will ensure that the national budget prioritizes the needs of our agricultural sector: para sa ating mga magsasaka, mga mangingisda, at para sa layunin na wala nang Pilipinong magugutom,” Pangilinan said during his budget manifestations on Tuesday, December 2.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform and vice chairs Subcommittee J of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the additional requests aim to strengthen rural development and support food security.

Among the DA’s proposed funding is P2.4 billion for deep-water ports under the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, targeting Occidental Mindoro, Zamboanga del Norte, and Albay to improve fish landing, handling, and cold storage logistics.

The department is also seeking a P500-million transition fund for implementing the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act for the Bureau of Animal Industry and the National Dairy Authority.

Another proposal is P100 million for the Young Farmers Challenge Program under the DA-Office of the Secretary, which provides grants and capacity-building support to young agripreneurs. “Dahil kinakailangan ng susunod na henerasyon ng Pilipino ay mayroon pa ring magsasaka,” Pangilinan said.

The senator also highlighted the importance of irrigation in boosting farm productivity and rural economic growth. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) submitted additional requests, including P45 million for a temporary cofferdam at the Angat Afterbay Regulator Dam in Bustos, Bulacan, P1.5 billion for long-term replacement of the dam’s rubber bladder gates, P25 million for learning and development programs, and P22.4 million for the “Masaganang Ani sa Tagtuyot” double cropping system.

Pangilinan said he also submitted budget requests from the judiciary and measures to ensure transparency in DA and NIA projects for Senate consideration.

“These submissions outline the necessary adjustments to strengthen food security and support rural development. We request the body’s favorable review of these vital budgetary requests by the department itself,” he added.