An increase of P88 billion in next year’s budget for the Department of Agriculture (DA) is being lobbied in Congress after its initial funding request faced a significant cut in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. disclosed that their original budget request amounted to P513 billion, but the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recommended a substantial P300 billion cut in the 2025 NEP.

The slash brought the DA’s proposed expenditure to P200,195,367,000, according to Laurel.

Joining his colleagues in advocating for a higher budget for the department, Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte said Monday the reduction in allocation will make it impossible for the country to attain food security, which is a priority of the Marcos administration.