Manila, Dec. 24 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has vowed to advance more support and better livelihood for Filipino farmers and fishers in 2026 in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directives to ensure food security, affordability, and accessibility.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said additional mechanisms are in place and will be implemented starting next year.

"I just like to greet everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," he said in a year-end interview Tuesday, expressing optimism for the sector in the year ahead.

"Asahan ho ninyo na (You can expect that) next year should be a bit better for everybody now na mas naka-set up na kami rito sa (that we are all set at) DA to address all the pos...