Pangilinan says higher funds for digital farming to deter corruption
The increased funding for digital agriculture in the 2026 Department of Agriculture (DA) budget will help prevent corruption similar to recent infrastructure scandals, including the controversial flood control projects, according to Sen. Francis Pangilinan.
“No stealing happens when the public is watching. Digital makes it difficult to hide the truth, effectively protecting all of us who pay taxes,” Pangilinan said.
“This technology can ensure that subsidies, insurance and other support go to real farmers and fisherfolk, not ghost beneficiaries,” he added.
The bicameral committee raised digital agriculture funding from P500 million to P600 million, supporting more precise, efficient and evidence-based farming and food value chains.
Pangilinan said the DA’s digital agriculture aims to use data, online platforms and smart technologies to support systems for farmer and fisher registries, traceability, monitoring and data-driven planning.
He said it would also have data dashboards that give the DA real-time visibility over production, inputs, infrastructure and risks.
Measurable results
According to Pangilinan, integrating this tool in planning, procurement, extension, market access and enforcement systems translates increased budgets into measurable results.
“The strongest defense against corruption are open data and processes, and people who care. The mistakes in DPWH must never be repeated,” he said.
On the ground, the DA digital push includes platforms, such as e-Kadiwa or Kadiwa Online, which link farmers directly with consumers, and the use of drones, satellite imaging and remote sensing for crop monitoring, yield forecasting and disaster assessment.
Pangilinan cited studies that highlight the potential of digital agriculture to boost productivity, resilience and farmer incomes.
“However, gaps in connectivity, devices and digital skills could leave smallholders behind, thus underscoring the need for inclusive extension services, infrastructure investments and strong public-private partnerships,” he said.
“Let’s use new tech that is also accessible and usable by the constituents of DA. If we want lower food prices and higher farmer incomes, we need data and processes that are traceable and checkable,” he added.
