HOUSE Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Saturday reaffirmed the Marcos Jr. Administration’s commitment to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ livelihoods, ensure responsible budgeting, and restore public trust in Congress through direct support to the farming sector.
Dy issued the statement during a strategic dialogue with farmers at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON) in Cauayan City.
Dy underscored that government programs and budget allocations are designed to ensure rice availability and support local farmers, mindful of the critical challenges facing the agricultural sector.
The Speaker detailed plans to expand storage and distribution infrastructure, explaining that the end-goal of all government efforts is to build a more resilient agriculture sector.
To address the problem of low selling price of rice made wet by storms, Speaker Dy shared that drying facilities in Cabagan, Echague, Cauayan, and San Mariano are now operational, with additional facilities planned to improve accessibility for farmers across all six districts of Isabela.
Dy also called for strengthened coordination with provincial agencies and the DSWD to support tens of thousands of farmers, noting that the province has over 119,000 registered farmers.
He also took note of other agricultural issues, particularly concerning the National Food Authority (NFA), which he said required immediate attention.
Farmers also raised specific concerns during the dialogue.
Anak Bakir of San Mateo requested additional solar dryers from the Department of Agriculture.
A farmer from Cauayan suggested converting fertilizer subsidies into cash, while a farmer from San Agustin requested that seed subsidies be provided as hybrid seeds.
Dy responded that under the 2026 budget, cash assistance and crop insurance would be made available to one million farmers, effectively addressing both requests.
A retired government official, now a farmer, proposed reallocating DPWH funds to the NFA, with Dy assuring increased agricultural funding.
The forum brought together key stakeholders, including Provincial Agriculturist Sergio Galamgan, city and municipal agriculturists, leaders of Irrigators Associations and Farmers’ Cooperatives, as well as several mayors and city officials from Cauayan.
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