THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has proposed P69.9 billion for three rice programs in 2027 aimed at increasing local production, raising farmers’ incomes, and making rice more affordable.
Of the proposed amount, P29.9 billion is earmarked for the National Rice Program (NRP), P30 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), and P10 billion for the Rice for All Program.
“These reinforce government support across the rice value chain — from seeds, farm inputs, machinery, irrigation, credit, and training for farmers to programs that bring affordable rice closer to consumers,” Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said Wednesday.
The proposed P29.9 billion for the NRP will support the provision of quality seeds, farm inputs, extension services, and modern production technologies to improve rice farmers’ productivity and incomes.
The DBM said strengthening farmers’ access to resources and technology would help boost domestic rice production and contribute to a more resilient food supply.
Of the proposed P30 billion for RCEF, P9 billion will support rice farm machinery and equipment through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), while P6 billion will fund rice seed development, propagation and promotion through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).
The remaining funds will support other rice projects, financial and credit assistance for farmers, and other agricultural support programs of the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration.
Meanwhile, the proposed P10 billion for the Rice for All Program will help make rice more affordable through Kadiwa centers and other accredited facilities nationwide.
The program complements efforts to improve agricultural productivity by helping ensure that increased production translates into greater access to affordable rice for Filipino households, the DBM said.
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