The Department of Agriculture鈥檚 (DA) proposed PhP247.23-billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, about 15% higher than its current allocation, drew support from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) alongside calls for more funding of participatory monitoring and other stakeholder engagement activities.
At the National Agriculture and Fisheries (NAF) Council meeting on April 30, 2026, in Quezon City, members of the 蝌蚪视频 (PCAF) Consultative Bodies (CBs) underscored the need to expand Participatory Monitoring and Tracking (PMT) to strengthen transparency, accountability, and on-the-ground impact.
鈥淚ncreasing the monitoring budget allows us to verify if funds were spent properly, if projects reached target areas, and whether they delivered results,鈥� said Raul Montemayor of the National Sectoral Committees on International Trade and Rice and Other Food Staples.
鈥淭hat information is critical to improving DA programs,鈥� he added.
The consultation, led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., brought together over 100 participants onsite and via video conference to review the DA鈥檚 FY 2027 Planning and Budgeting Proposal (PBP) before its submission to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
As the government鈥檚 highest consultative platform for the sector, the NAF Council convenes national agencies, local governments, and private stakeholders, including PCAF鈥檚 CBs composed of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) and the National Sectoral Committees (NSCs).
Policy shifts and reform agenda
In the Council meeting, DA officials outlined key policy shifts aimed at strengthening service delivery and value chain competitiveness.
DA Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and for Rural Credit, Engr. Roger Navarro cited ongoing digitalization efforts, including harmonized monitoring and reporting systems, while Secretary Tiu Laurel highlighted the rollout of third-party monitoring for large-scale projects.
On funding, DA USec. for Policy, Planning, and Regulations, Atty. Asis Perez noted that budget ceilings limit allocations but said the DA will explore ways to support participatory activities. Finance Undersecretary Nora Oliveros added that alternative funding within existing programs may be tapped.
Sector concerns and DA responses
Stakeholders raised several operational issues, with the DA outlining corresponding actions as follows:
- Extension services: The DA aims to deploy 23,000 workers and is coordinating with universities to address workforce gaps.
- AFC funding: Regional AFCs were advised to submit proposals for possible funding support.
- Seed systems: Plans include climate-controlled facilities, expanded production sites, and research centers to improve seed quality.
- Irrigation and climate resilience: The DA is open to piloting solar-powered irrigation and desalination technologies, subject to validation and cost feasibility assessments.
- Program approach: A shift toward more developmental, community-based interventions is being designed, alongside stronger food hubs.
- Laboratories and other export facilities: Additional investments are expected, with stakeholders asked to submit equipment requirements.
The NAF Council meeting with a resolution endorsing the DA鈥檚 FY 2027 PBP to the DBM, with emphasis on increasing support for monitoring, stakeholder engagement, seed systems, food hubs, and climate-resilient infrastructure. | Jezebel Campaniel
