Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 27)— President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he is looking at a possible budget increase for the agriculture sector, particularly to aid farmers, in his final two years in office.
“Maasahan niyo… Maybe this year, ang pinakamataas sa budget natin is ‘yung edukasyon. Then DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). Baka itong sa last two years ko, i-aangat ko kayong mga farmers,” Duterte said during the 31st anniversary celebration of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in Quezon City.
[Translation: You can expect… Maybe this year, our highest budget is for education. Then DPWH. Perhaps for the last two years, I will highlight you farmers.]
The chief executive, however, did not give an exact figure for the budget.
The proposed national budget for 2020 is ₱4.1 trillion, approximately 11 percent higher than the current budget of ₱3.7 billion.
Duterte appointed William Dar to head the Agriculture department. He replaced Manny Piñol, whom some Cabinet members blamed for the rice shortage in 2018.
Piñol, meanwhile, was assigned chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority. He will serve as the presidential “pointman” for the new Bangsamoro region, and will focus on the agricultural and economic growth in the South.
