MANILA — The Department of Agriculture on Friday attributed the sector’s 2.7-percent growth in the second quarter of 2026 to an increase in public and private investments in the sector as well as an energized farming community.
The Philippines has logged its highest food sufficiency rate in the first half of 2026, Agriculture Undersecretary Asis Perez told state television PTV, noting that the agriculture sector logged P416 billion in total production in the second quarter alone.
“We’ve never been more sufficient in terms of our staple food kasi nakapag tala ang ating sektor ngayon ng pinakamataas na pag angat ng agricultural production in the last 10 years,” he said.
“I-attribute natin ito sa husay ng ating sektor ng general. Naglagay sila ng tamang inputs, na-inspire na mag-invest, magdagdag ng kapital, magsipag,” he said.
Rice farmers have been more upbeat in increasing their yield as the government now procures wet palay at P21, which is higher compared to previous rates, the Agriculture official said.
“Hindi naman lumaki ang sakahan pero gumanda ang ating performance,” he said.
“Malaki ang bahagi ng deployment ng ating irrigation facility,” he said.
“At kailangan nating aminin na itong last 2 quarters ng 2026, medyo favorable ang weather conditions natin. Hindi tayo nagkaroon ng masyadong maraming bagyo, kalmado,” he said.
While the agriculture sector lodged encouraging growth rates between April and June 2026, the DA is still on its toes due to the looming El Niño that is expected to start in the latter part of 2026, Perez said.
“Ang isang medyo challenge na pinaghahandaan natin liban pa sa El Niño ay yung posibleng effect kung magkakaroon ng pagtaas ng inputs kasi ang tendency ng ating mga magsasaka ay magtipid,” he said.
“Yung paglalagay ng mga seeds na mas mabilis mag-ani kasi pag mas matagal, mas kailangan mo yung tubig.”
Meantime, the DA said it is also concentrating on aquaculture, especially in seaweed production.
It is also looking forward to a boost in the poultry and meat sectors in 2027 when the Animal Industry Act — which will rally investments — takes effect, Perez said.