The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP1.66 billion to support the government’s Rice Seed Program, aimed at boosting rice production and helping Filipino farmers improve their livelihoods.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the fund release fulfills President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to support the agricultural sector and strengthen food security.

The program, implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), aims to develop, propagate and distribute high-quality inbred rice seeds and reinforce seed growers’ cooperatives.

According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the funds will cover the purchase, delivery and distribution of inbred-certified seeds for the 2026 dry season, as well as vehicles and farm machinery to improve the efficiency of production support services.

The seeds will be distributed across 12 regions, including Central Luzon, the country’s top rice-producing area.

“Ang layunin po ng ating Pangulo ay mapataas ‘yung produksyon at kita ng ating mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng nararapat na suporta (The President’s goal is to increase the productivity and income of our farmers by giving them proper support),” Pangandaman said.

The program complements previous allocations under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act, which set aside PHP4 billion for PhilRice to supply 2.5 million 20-kg bags of inbred-certified seeds for the 2025 wet season.

The DBM said the latest funding ensures farmers can access quality seeds on time, helping them maximize yields and align with early planting schedules. (PNA)