DA wants nearly 40% budget hike in 2023 to lower food costs, bolster food security

FILE PHOTO: Rice farmers in Villasis, Pangasinan province. —WILLIE LOMIBAO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking a nearly 40 percent increase in its annual budget to P163.75 billion for 2023 – which should help boost the country’s food security.

House appropriations committee chair Rep. Elizaldy Co revealed this on Monday at the opening of the public hearing on DA’s proposed budget for next year.

“The P46.5 billion or 39.62 percent increase in the Agriculture Sector’s budget from 2022 to 2023 is unprecedented. The increase is from P117.29 billion in the 2022 GAA (General Appropriations Act) to P163.75 billion in 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP),” Co explained.

“This budget increase should ensure the country’s food security – meaning, as per President Marcos’ directive, local food supply should increase and, by the law of supply and demand, result in lower food prices,” he added.

READ: DA to follow Bongbong Marcos’ order on food production

According to the lawmaker, the DA’s request for an increased 2023 budget is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vow to make agriculture the country’s main driver for economic growth and job creation. Marcos Jr. concurrently sits as Secretary of the DA.

Co further explained that the P46.5 billion increase in the DA’s budget for 2023 should help the country overcome rising costs of sugar, salt, onion, and garlic that were caused by supply chain issues, as well as the continuing hike in oil and wheat prices – which, the congressman noted, likewise results in increased cost of other goods and services – amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

READ: Department of Agriculture pushes boost to salt making

“The road ahead is difficult but surmountable. As the nation embarks on a new chapter of socio-economic transformation, the agriculture sector must remain at the forefront of our collective effort to create more jobs and reduce poverty, and improve the lives of every Filipino, especially farmers and fishermen,” he said.

Co then gave assurance that the House of Representatives supports the President in building and strengthening the agricultural sector.

“This institution is united with the President in building and strengthening the foundations of our agricultural economy for an even stronger national food security. We strive for a more prosperous, climate-resilient, and empowered Filipino countryside,” he said.

READ: KMP decries DA cutting budget for crucial programs but favoring Marcos bailiwick

But Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) had raised questions over the proposed DA budget for 2023, pointing out that the agency’s spending plan for next year appears to only favor farm-to-market road projects in areas tagged as “Marcos territories” in Ilocos Region and Easter Visayas while cutting funding on other crucial agricultural programs on irrigation and equipment for rice production.

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