Aabot sa P69.9 billion ang inirekomendang pondo para sa tatlong pangunahing rice programs ng gobyerno sa 2027 upang suportahan ang mga magsasaka at mapalawak ang access ng mga Pilipino sa abot-kayang bigas.
Sa ilalim ng proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), P29.9 billion ang nakalaan sa National Rice Program, P30 billion sa Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), at P10 billion sa Rice for All Program.
Bahagi ang mga ito ng P261.7-billion na proposed allocation para sa agriculture sector.
“For agriculture and food security, Php 261.7 billion is proposed across the agriculture sector, supporting programs that increase productivity, strengthen food security, and improve the incomes of our farmers and fisherfolk,” sabi ni Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon.
Sa P29.9-billion National Rice Program, popondohan ang quality seeds, farm inputs, extension services, at modern technologies para mapataas ang productivity at kita ng mga rice farmer.
P30 billion naman ang nakalaan sa RCEF, na pinalawig hanggang 2031 sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 12078. Tinaasan sa ilalim ng batas ang annual allocation nito mula P10 billion tungong P30 billion, mula sa tariffs na nakokolekta sa rice imports.
Sa halagang ito, P9 billion ang para sa farm machinery at equipment sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), habang P6 billion ang para sa seed development, propagation, at promotion ng Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).
Ang natitirang P15 billion ay para sa training at extension services, financial at credit assistance sa farmers, composting facilities, irrigation at soil health improvement, pest and disease management, at farming support sa ilalim ng contract farming program.
Para naman sa consumers, P10 billion ang proposed funding para sa Rice for All Program upang gawing mas accessible ang affordable rice sa KADIWA Centers at iba pang accredited facilities sa buong bansa.
“The strength of our nation begins with the strength of those who cultivate our land and harvest our seas. Every decision we make in agriculture is an investment toward advancing food security, rural development, economic resilience, and our people’s well-being,” sabi ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa kanyang FY 2027 Budget Message.
Target ng P69.9-billion package na palakasin ang farmers mula farm inputs at mechanization hanggang credit at training, habang sinusuportahan ang access ng consumers sa mas murang bigas. /Bistado