House Speaker Bojie Dy convened a strategic dialogue with farmers at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON) in Cauayan City recently to address pressing agricultural concerns.
The forum brought together key stakeholders, including Provincial Agriculturist Sergio Galamgam, city and municipal agriculturists, leaders of Irrigators Associations and Farmers’ Cooperatives, as well as several mayors and city officials from Cauayan.
Dy highlighted the critical challenges facing the agricultural sector and underscored government programs and budget allocations designed to ensure rice availability and support local farmers.
The veteran legislator noted that issues raised over the past month, particularly concerning the National Food Authority (NFA), required immediate attention.
“It is essential for farmers’ concerns to reach the President.”
The seasoned lawmaker said it was essential for farmers’ concerns to reach the President, and he stressed that the dialogue provided a platform to explore practical solutions collaboratively.
The Speaker detailed plans to expand storage and distribution infrastructure, addressing reports of low-priced wet palay and highlighting operational drying facilities in Cabagan, Echague, Cauayan, and San Mariano.
Additional facilities are planned to improve accessibility for farmers across all six districts of Isabela.
He also called for strengthened coordination with provincial agencies and the DSWD to support tens of thousands of farmers, noting that the province has over 119,000 registered farmers.
During the dialogue, farmers raised specific concerns.
Anak Bakir of San Mateo requested additional solar dryers from the Department of Agriculture.
A farmer from Cauayan suggested converting fertilizer subsidies into cash, while a farmer from San Agustin requested that seed subsidies be provided as hybrid seeds.
“Under the 2026 budget, cash assistance and crop insurance would be made available to one million farmers.”
Dy responded that under the 2026 budget, cash assistance and crop insurance would be made available to one million farmers, effectively addressing both requests.
A retired government official, now a farmer, proposed reallocating DPWH funds to the NFA, with Dy assuring increased agricultural funding.
The dialogue concluded with Dy reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural productivity and livelihoods, emphasizing the goal of building a more resilient sector, ensuring responsible budgeting, and restoring public confidence in Congress through targeted farmer support.
