Government to unload P69.9-billion budget for rice programs

For 2027

MANILA, Philippines —   President Marcos is proposing P69.9 billion funding for three major rice programs next year as the government seeks to boost domestic production, raise farmers’ incomes and help keep rice affordable and accessible. Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said the proposed funding forms part of the administration’s broader food security agenda, which seeks to raise agricultural productivity while improving the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.

The allocation covers P29.9 billion for the National Rice Program, P30 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and P10 billion for the Rice for All Program, under the 2027 National Expenditure Program.

“Taken together, the P69.9-billion investment represents a three-pronged rice strategy: produce more at home, strengthen the farmers who grow the country’s staple and make affordable rice more accessible to Filipino families,” he said.

Of the proposed allocation, P29.9 billion will go to the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s National Rice Program, one of its banner programs. It will fund quality seeds, farm inputs, extension services and modern production technologies aimed at improving rice farmers’ productivity and incomes.

Another P30 billion will go to the RCEF to sustain investments designed to improve the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers.

Under Republic Act 12078, RCEF was extended until 2031 and its annual funding was tripled to P30 billion from P10 billion. RCEF is to be sourced from all tariffs collected from rice importation.

Of the P30 billion, P9 billion will be allocated for farm machinery and equipment through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, while P6 billion will support rice seed development, propagation and promotion through the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

This includes rice training and extension services, financial assistance to rice farmers, expanded rice credit assistance, composting facilities, irrigation and soil health improvement, pest and disease management and farming support programs of the DA and the National Irrigation Administration under the contract farming program.

On the consumer side, the government is proposing P10 billion for the Rice for All Program, which will make affordable rice available through Kadiwa Centers and other accredited facilities across the country.

“For agriculture and food security, P261.7 billion is proposed across the agriculture sector, supporting programs that increase productivity, strengthen food security and improve the incomes of our farmers and fisherfolk,” De Leon said.

Food security remains among the administration’s highest priorities as it pursues the goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030.