Lawmakers Rally Behind AGRI Party-list Rep. Lee’s Call for Full Agriculture Budget

Manila – On Monday, lawmakers united in support of AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee’s call for a substantial increase in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) budget, which has been set at PHP 200.2 billion for 2025, falling significantly short of the requested PHP 513.8 billion.

During a House briefing on the DA’s 2025 budget, Lee questioned the prioritization of agriculture in government spending. “Is agriculture really a priority for us? Are we serious about this?” Lee asked. “Secretary [Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr.] requested PHP 513 billion, but only PHP 200 billion was allocated. How can we lower food prices if we don’t allocate sufficient funds for agriculture?”

“Gusto nating pataasin ang produksyon, pababain ang presyo ng bilihin pero binawasan ang budget. Para tayong naglolokohan lang. Dapat ibigay yung ni-request ng ahensya, at gastusin nang tama para maramdaman agad ng mamamayan, hindi yung nakatengga lang.”

This was echoed by his fellow lawmakers such as Rep. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, Rep. Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte and Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr., among others.

“As I said, from our colleague, AGRI Party-list [Rep. Wilbert Lee], tama, kulang po ang budget ng Department of Agriculture. Ngayon ang tanong, bakit tayo nandito? Kailangan nating suportahan ang budget ng Department of Agriculture,” Teves said, which was seconded by other Congressmen.

DA Secretary Tiu-Laurel agreed with Lee’s sentiment saying that he is not yet satisfied with the budget given to the agency.

“It is unfortunate na yung request natin na P500 billion ay naging P200 billion. I guess, it all boils down sa kung ano ang kaya ng ating gobyerno na i-provide. But of course, manghihingi pa kami ng kaunting dagdag sa bicam [bicameral conference committee], before the end of the year,” the DA chief said.

Lee, a food security champion, also pointed out the huge difference between the pre-harvest services and post-harvest facilities which have an allocation of P58.45 billion and P13.51 billion, respectively.

“Alam naman po natin na ang post-harvest ang isa sa malaking problema ng ating mga magsasaka. Bakit ba ayaw nating dagdagan ang budget dito, kung hindi man agad na maipantay, eh mailapit man lang sa pre-harvest budget? Napakalayo ng agwat?” Lee said.

The solon from Bicol also underscored the need to boost market linkages citing the recent incident of excess tomatoes which Nueva Ecija farmers had to forego or sell for lower prices.

“Matagal na po itong ganitong problema. Madalas sobra sa isang lugar, kulang sa ibang lugar ang supply. Pinapalala yan ng problema ng kawalan ng dryers, cold storage facilities, mga machineries, kakulangan ng food terminals o Kadiwa centers,” the solon remarked.

Lee then vowed to work closely with the DA family and to submit his proposed amendments to increase the budget of the DA that can help lower the prices of rice and other agricultural commodities.

“Paulit-ulit na natin itong panawagan. Pero walang nangyayari. Hindi tayo naglolokohan dito. Seryosong usapin ito para maabot ang murang pagkain. Kawawa ang ating local food producers, kawawa din tayong lahat. Gusto natin mapamura ang pagkain, hindi yung napapamura ang Pilipino sa mahal na bilihin.”

“Once and for all, Mr. Chair, Mr. Secretary, gawin na natin ito. May pondo ang gobyerno, nakakapaglaan nga tayo sa mga proyekto na hindi nga ganoon kahalaga o kailangan. Ano pa ang hinihintay natin? Murang pagkain, mataas na produksyon, gawin na natin!” Lee said.