Manila, Jan. 5 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it will ensure that the PHP6.793 trillion national budget, which seeks to strengthen the agriculture sector in the Philippines, will really benefit farmers and fishers.

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. vowed to look into the approved funding as the boosted support for the sector will enhance local food production and lead to long-term food security.

"We're happy that the budget has finally been released, but we still need to review what the final version entails," Tiu Laurel said.

The agriculture chief underscored the need for careful scrutiny to ensure that farmers and fishers, as well as consumers and other key stakeholders across the value chain...