DA seeks faster approval of long-pending agricultural lawsMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging Congress to fast-track the passage of long-pending agricultural reform measures to address structural bottlenecks and revive growth in the farm sector. Tiu Laurel said Congress has already passed the Animal Industry and Competitiveness Act, which aims to modernize the livestock, poultry and aquaculture industries and provide P20 billion in annual funding over 10 years. The DA is also lining up amendments to commodity-specific laws covering rice, corn and coconut to strengthen value chains and raise farmer incomes, according to Tiu Laurel. Beyond legislative measures, Tiu Laurel said reforms must also focus on strengthening agricultural extension services and expanding cooperative development to improve farmers’ access to credit, markets and support services. Tiu Laurel said P2.4 billion has been earmarked next year for port development, with nearly a dozen agri-port projects in the pipeline to reduce logistics costs and improve inter-island trade.

Source: Philippine Star January 02, 2026 16:04 UTC