The agriculture and fisheries sector sustained its recovery in the second quarter, with production value rising across all major subsectors, encouraging signs that the modernization drive under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is delivering broader gains for rural livelihoods and food production.
Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Thursday showed the value of agriculture and fisheries production, at constant 2018 prices, increased 2.9 percent year on year to P452.22 billion during the April to June period. PSA said growth was recorded in crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries, pointing to a broad-based expansion despite lingering weather and disease-related risks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the latest PSA data are proof the long-term investments of government in agriculture are beginning to produce measurable gains while strengthening the sector ahead of the expected impact of El Niño later this year.
“This strong second-quarter performance shows the Marcos administration’s farm modernization agenda is delivering results where they matter most, on our farms and in rural communities,” said Tiu Laurel. “Higher productivity is translating into better incomes for farmers and fisherfolk while strengthening a sector that provides livelihoods to nearly four in 10 Filipinos and powers growth across the countryside.”
“These gains also give us a stronger buffer against the production slowdown we expect from El Niño in the fourth quarter. We cannot control the weather, but we can equip our farmers to overcome it through irrigation, mechanization, climate-smart technologies, quality seeds, modern post-harvest facilities, and better market access,” he added.
Crop production, which accounted for 55 percent of total agricultural output, reached P248.90 billion, up 1.6 percent from a year earlier. The increase was driven largely by palay, whose production value climbed 5.7 percent, while corn posted a modest 0.8 percent gain.
A suspension of rice importation between September and December last year bolstered planting intentions and drove farm-gate prices of palay higher.
Livestock production expanded 3.6 percent to P61.83 billion, led by a 5.6 percent increase in hog production as the industry continued recovering from African swine fever with the availability of a vaccine, albeit on a limited rollout.
Poultry emerged as the fastest-growing major subsector, with production value rising 6.3 percent to P79.84 billion, accounting for 17.7 percent of total agricultural output. Fisheries also posted steady growth, increasing 2.7 percent to P61.64 billion.
Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture expects its continuing push to open new export markets and expand overseas shipments of Philippine farm products to become an increasingly important driver of the sector’s growth in the coming quarters.
The broad-based expansion suggests the farm sector is becoming more resilient, with growth no longer dependent on a single commodity. That diversification is increasingly important as climate change, animal diseases, and volatile global commodity markets continue to test agricultural production.
Sustaining the momentum will require continued investments in modernization and climate resilience. Beyond strengthening food security, a more productive agriculture sector can help temper food inflation, raise rural incomes, and generate more inclusive economic growth in regions where farming remains the backbone of local economies.
