P1-B budget sought to start corn procurement program

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking a budget of up to P1 billion to “start the ball rolling” on purchasing corn from farmers beginning next year.

“The plan is to implement that in 2026. What we plan is more for white corn. We’ll be buying more white corn. Of course, there will be some yellow corn,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in an interview on Tuesday.

Tiu Laurel said this plan to purchase corn through the National Food Authority (NFA) would position corn as an alternative to rice as a staple grain.

READ: NFA buffer stock rises to a new record high

“Why white corn? Because it’s for food. It can be made into corn grits as a substitute, replacement or alternative to rice. And we still have many areas in the Philippines that consume corn grits,” he told reporters.

Corn grits, locally known as bigas mais, is a coarsely-ground form of dried corn kernels used in various dishes.

Some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao prefer white corn or white corn mixed with rice called bugas, according to the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization.

Tiu Laurel said the agency had made the budget allocation request for corn procurement in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

Sought for additional details, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the corn program would be unveiled sometime next year, citing more preparations needed.

The agriculture chief said the DA would look into the legality of implementing the program through the NFA, although he pointed out that it has a legal basis since the original mandate of the agency was retained.

The NFA is mandated to maintain an optimal level of national rice inventory under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which should be sourced solely from local farmers.

Its buffer stock will be distributed to intended beneficiaries during emergency or calamity situations and sustain disaster relief efforts.