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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Dy returns to Isabela as House Speaker, responds to farmers' concerns

Dy returns to Isabela as House Speaker, responds to farmers' concerns

Published Sep 28, 2025 10:47 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III held a strategic dialogue with farmers at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON) on Saturday, Sept. 27 in Cauayan City, Isabela.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III (Facebook)
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III (Facebook)


House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III held a strategic dialogue with farmers at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON) on Saturday, Sept. 27 in Cauayan City, Isabela.
The forum brought together key stakeholders, including Provincial Agriculturist Sergio Galamgan, city and municipal agriculturists, leaders of Irrigators Associations and Farmers’ Cooperatives, as well as several mayors and city officials from Cauayan.
It had only been 10 days since Dy, representative of Isabela's 6th district, ascended to the Speakership. It was arguably unexpected by most of his province-mates.
In the meeting, 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.
He noted that issues raised over the past month, particularly concerning the National Food Authority (NFA), required immediate attention.
Dy 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. Dy and President Marcos both belong to the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
The Speaker detailed plans to expand storage and distribution infrastructure, as he addressed 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.
Dy also called for strengthened coordination with provincial agencies and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (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. Meanwhile,
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.
Dy responded that under the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget, cash assistance and crop insurance would be made available to one million farmers, effectively addressing both requests.
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.
The 2026 GAB or national budget is currently at the plenary debates stage at the House of Representatives.
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