The Philippines aims to achieve 84 percent rice self-sufficiency by the end of 2026, Agriculture Assistant Secretary U-Nichols Manalo announced during the agency’s budget hearing.
Currently, the country produces about 77 percent of its rice needs and targets 90 percent self-sufficiency by 2028, contingent on full implementation of programs and budget support.
The Department of Agriculture is requesting a P216.1 billion budget for 2026 to fund initiatives that will boost rice production, assist farmers, and improve logistics.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted that underinvestment has weakened the sector’s contribution to the economy, despite employing one in five Filipinos.
Rice production grew by 6.4 percent in the first half of the year, reaching 9.08 million metric tons, progressing toward the revised annual target of 20.35 million metric tons.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 13, 2025
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