Funding the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) digital agriculture program would help prevent corruption, “ghost farmers,” and wasteful projects similar to those flagged in recent infrastructure controversies.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, on Thursday, said the bicameral committee’s decision to raise digital agriculture funding from P500 million to P600 million in the proposed 2026 DA budget is a step toward more transparent, efficient, and evidence-based management of farming and food systems.

According to the senator, digital agriculture leverages data, online platforms, and smart technologies to strengthen farmer and fisher registries, improve traceability, enhance monitoring, and support data-driven planning. 

The program also includes data dashboards that provide the DA with real-time visibility over production levels, farm inputs, infrastructure projects and agricultural risks.

“There is no stealing when the people are watching. What’s good about digital systems is that the truth is hard to hide, so it serves as good protection for all of us who pay taxes,” Pangilinan said, stressing that public access to data serves as a deterrent to corruption.

He added that digital systems can ensure government assistance reaches legitimate beneficiaries. 

“This technology will ensure that aid, insurance, and other forms of support go to real farmers and fisherfolk, not to ghost beneficiaries,” he said.

Transparency in results

Pangilinan explained that integrating digital tools into planning, procurement, agricultural extension, market access, and enforcement would help translate larger budgets into measurable and verifiable outcomes. “The strongest defense against corruption is when data and processes are open, and the people care. The mistakes of the DPWH should never be repeated,” he said, referring to past infrastructure issues linked to alleged corruption.

On the ground, the DA’s digital initiatives include platforms such as e-Kadiwa or Kadiwa Online, which connect farmers directly to consumers, as well as the use of drones, satellite imagery, and remote sensing technologies for crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and disaster damage assessment.

While studies show that digital agriculture can boost productivity, resilience, and farmer incomes, Pangilinan acknowledged challenges such as limited connectivity, lack of devices, and gaps in digital skills, particularly among smallholder farmers and fisherfolk. 

He said these concerns highlight the need for inclusive extension services, infrastructure investments, and strong public-private partnerships.