DBM: P197.84B allotted for agri sector under 2024 proposed nat'l budget

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has earmarked nearly P200 billion for the agriculture sector under the proposed P5.768-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2024.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DBM said it allocated P197.84 billion for the Department of Agriculture (DA) next year.

This is higher by 6% compared to its current-year allocation of P186.54 billion.

The DBM cited the agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) sector’s growth of 2.2% and 9.1% share of the country’s first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth for increasing the DA’s budget allocation for 2024 and to sustain its growth trajectory.

"To continue the upward trajectory of agricultural output and meet our Philippine Development Plan (PDP) goal of increasing the Philippines’ food security index, we will increase funding for the national programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on rice, corn, livestock, and high-value crops, among others," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his budget message.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that among the priority areas for the 2024 expenditure as outlined in the PDP are food and water security.

"In our quest for food security and proper nutrition for Filipino families, the FY 2024 NEP will continue to support programs that boost the local production of major agricultural commodities, including rice, corn, and other high-value crops," she said.

She added that the NEP will focus on enhancing productivity and sustainability, ensuring soil resource management, providing agricultural support services, constructing farm-to-market roads, and mitigating El Niño risks through the buffer stocking program.

Some P30.9 billion of the DA’s 2024 proposed budget will be allocated to the National Rice Program.

Meanwhile, P10 billion will be earmarked for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which aims to provide assistance to farmers through efforts such as rice seed development, loan provision, and the procurement of agricultural equipment.

Likewise, the DBM said that plans to strengthen food security also encompass the National Corn Program, National Livestock Program, and National High-Value Crops Development Program, with proposed budgets of P5.3 billion, P4.3 billion, and P1.9 billion, respectively. 

The Sugar Regulatory Administration will receive P1 billion for its Sugarcane Industry Development Program, with the purpose of enhancing farmers' skills and productivity levels. 

The National Fisheries Program will have an allocation of P6.9 billion, aiming to elevate the standard of agri-fishery practices, product quality, and farmers and fisherfolk's income. 

An additional P211 million will be allocated to the Boosting Aquaculture Production Program to address a 10-percent target increase in local fish production and fill the supply deficit.

The DBM said the introduction of the National Soil Health Program and the proposed funds of P916 million, along with the Department of Science and Technology's National Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Sector Research and Development Program, collectively funded at P1 billion, signifies a strategic plan to improve the state of our natural resources.

"Moreover, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute's Fisheries Biotechnology R&D Program, specifically the Hatchery Production Program (HatchPro), which has been budgeted at P70 million, forms part of this larger initiative," the DBM said.

Expanding food systems and productivity to benefit the entire population, especially agricultural workers, requires investing in agricultural infrastructure, it said.

The DA will have an allocation of P17.3 billion for its Farm-to-Market Road Program for the construction of 1,144.58 kilometers of roadways, which serves as a testament to this growing need. 

This initiative will not only facilitate the seamless transport of goods but also considerably reduce the associated expenses, according to the DBM.

"In an effort to combat water scarcity and prepare for potentially climate-unpredictable occurrences, the government has earmarked P31.2 billion for the National Irrigation Administration," the Budget Department said.

The agency added that the fund is intended for the development of 31,548 hectares of irrigated agricultural land.

For fisheries development, the DBM said the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority will receive an allocation of P4.9 billion for the construction, rehabilitation, and enhancement of fish ports nationwide.

The DBM said the remaining budget allocations include:

• The National Food Authority’s Buffer Stocking Program will be allocated P9 billion, which will be used to procure 473,684 metric tons of palay
• The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation will receive P4.5 billion for a program designed to safeguard farmers and fisherfolk from losses incurred due to natural disasters, crop diseases, and pest infestations
• The Agricultural Credit Policy Council will be granted P2.8 billion to roll out the Agro-Industry Modernization Credit and Financing Program (AMCFP). This flexible credit facility will benefit farmers and fisherfolk who are registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture
• The Local Water Utilities Administration’s (LWUA) Water Supply and Sanitation Program will receive P364 million. The funds will aid in the provision of Level III potable water supplies and proper sanitation systems. Additionally, they will support the implementation of sanitation projects in areas covered by the Manila Bay continuing mandamus. 

— VBL, GMA Integrated News