(Inquirer file photo / Willie Lomibao)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) budget for next year is slated at P91 billion, more than twice lower than the agency’s initial proposal of P231.7 billion.
During the House of Representatives’ deliberations on the proposed budget of the DA, the agency said it initially proposed P231,763,844,000 but the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only recommended P91,007,940,000 in the National Expenditure Program (NEP)—a cut amounting to P140.75 billion.
The P91 billion budget, however, is still one percent higher than DA’s 2021 budget of P90.06 billion.
Asked if he is satosfied with the DA’s recommended budget for 2022, Agriculture Secretary Dar said: “I would be happier if the budget is increased.”
Agriculture Sec. William Dar (Image from Department of Agriculture)
Dar said the budget can still be increased by at least P30 billion.
“Kung mamarapatin ng Kongreso, nasa level na P30 billion minimum sana na maidagdag (If the Congress can allow, we hope to have an increase of at least P30 billion),” Dar said.
Magsasaka Partylist Rep. Argel Cabatbat also expressed dismay over DA’s budget.
“The national budget was increased by 11.5 percent so we should expect the same increase in the department,” he added.