Manila, Nov. 4 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP1.66 billion to support the government's Rice Seed Program, aimed at boosting rice production and helping Filipino farmers improve their livelihoods.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the fund release fulfills President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to support the agricultural sector and strengthen food security.

The program, implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), aims to develop, propagate and distribute high-quality inbred rice seeds and reinforce seed growers' cooperatives.

According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the funds will cover the purchase, ...