The national government has earmarked P69.9 billion under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program to fund three banner rice initiatives designed to boost domestic output, improve agricultural incomes, and secure affordable food for Filipino families. The proposed allocation divides funding across key areas of the agricultural supply chain, directing P29.9 billion to the National Rice Program, P30 billion to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and P10 billion to the Rice for All Program. Together, these investments form a targeted strategy supporting the complete rice value chain, covering high-yield seeds, fertilizers, modern machinery, expanded irrigation, low-interest credit and farmer training, alongside consumer-facing retail interventions.
Department of Budget and Management Acting Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon emphasized that across the entire agriculture sector, P261.7 billion is proposed to support programs that increase productivity, strengthen food security and improve the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk.
The Department of Agriculture’s National Rice Program will utilize its P29.9 billion allocation to supply quality seeds, farm inputs, extension support, and modern production technologies. By equipping farmers with modern resources, the program aims to boost local crop yields, increase efficiency and insulate the country’s staple supply against global market volatility.
Simultaneously, funding for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund reflects its extension through 2031 under Republic Act No. 12078, which tripled the annual allocation from P10 billion to P30 billion sourced directly from tariff collections on imported rice. From this total, P9 billion will support farm machinery and equipment through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, while P6 billion is designated for seed development, propagation, and promotion via the Philippine Rice Research Institute. The remaining P15 billion will fund training and extension services, financial and credit assistance, composting facilities, soil health improvement, pest management and joint contract farming initiatives with the National Irrigation Administration.
To complement on-farm production interventions, the Rice for All Program receives P10 billion to ensure localized farmgate gains translate into lower retail prices. The program finances the distribution and retail sale of subsidized rice through KADIWA Centers and accredited facilities nationwide, bridging the gap between agricultural output and consumer affordability for Filipino households.