DBM boosts support for rice farmers with P1.665-B funds released for their “rice seed” program

MANILA – Reaffirming Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers, the Department of Budget and Management approved the release of P1.665 billion for additional fund requirement of the “rice seed” program.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute, the Program aims to develop, propagate, distribute, and promote high-quality inbred rice seeds to rice farmers, and empower the seed growers’ cooperatives or associations.

“Ang layunin po ng ating Pangulo ay mapataas ‘yung produksyon at kita ng ating mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay sa kanila ng nararapat na suporta. Kaya po inaprubahan natin ang pagpapalabas ng karagdagang P1.665 bilyong pondo para sa nasabing Programa upang tuluy-tuloy ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka at may sapat na suplay ng bigas mula sa mga rehiyon,” said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

The P1.665 billion funds shall cover the purchase, delivery, and distribution of inbred- certified seeds for the 2026 dry season, as well as the procurement of necessary vehicles and farm machinery to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of production support services. The said inbred certified seeds will be distributed to twelve regions, including Central Luzon, which is the largest rice-producing region in the country.

The latest fund release for the Rice Seed Program seeks to ensure that farmer-grantees have access to high-quality inbred rice seeds necessary for increased yields. This will also help accommodate early planting schedules of farmer-beneficiaries. Under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act, at least P4 billion was appropriated for PhilRice, covering the acquisition, delivery, and distribution of 2,500,344 (20kg/bag) of inbred certified seeds for the wet season, which started in March 2025.

The fund was released through a Special Allotment Release Order on 14 May 2025.