Philippine Agriculture Sector Achieves PHP1.77 Trillion Value in 2025, Marks Strongest Performance in Five Years
Senator Francis Pangilinan has expressed his enthusiastic welcome for the reported rebound of the Philippine agriculture sector in 2025, highlighting that strategic government interventions have successfully lifted farm output to its highest level in half a decade. The senator referenced official data presented by Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, which revealed that the sector concluded the year with a total value of PHP1.77 trillion, with poultry production playing a particularly significant role in driving this impressive growth.
Senator Pangilinan Emphasizes Sector Strength and Future Goals
In a statement released on Thursday, Pangilinan remarked, "Magandang balita na nanumbalik ang lusog ng sektor ng agrikultura (It is good news that the agriculture sector has regained its strength)." He extended his congratulations to DA officials and employees under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, as well as to all stakeholders involved in the agricultural industry. The senator stressed that this growth must ultimately translate into tangible benefits for the Filipino people, specifically higher incomes for farmers and fisherfolk, alongside more affordable and accessible food for families across the nation.
Pangilinan elaborated, "Mas maunlad na sektor ng agrikultura — na nasusukat sa mas mataas na kita ng mga Pilipinong magsasaka't mangingisda, at mas abot-kaya at mas abot-kamay na pagkain para sa lahat ng pamilyang Pilipino (A more developed agriculture sector—measured by higher incomes for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, and more affordable and accessible food for all Filipino families)."
Key Government Policies Driving Agricultural Recovery
The senator attributed the sector's recovery to early and decisive policy actions implemented by the government. He specifically highlighted Executive Order (EO) No. 101, which mandated the accelerated implementation of the Sagip Saka Act. This crucial measure enables local governments and national agencies to directly procure food for feeding programs and other initiatives from farmers and fisherfolk, effectively bypassing traditional traders and middlemen to ensure fairer compensation for producers.
Additionally, Pangilinan cited EO No. 100, which established a palay floor price designed to protect rice farmers from potential financial losses during periods of high harvest volumes. According to the senator, this policy has been instrumental in preventing a decline in palay prices when production increases, thereby stabilizing farmer incomes and encouraging continued agricultural activity.
Strengthening Support Systems and Sustaining Growth
Pangilinan also noted that the DA has been encouraged to fill vacant positions with agricultural extension workers. These professionals are tasked with providing direct, on-the-ground support to farmers, mirroring the vital role played by barangay health workers in local communities. This initiative aims to enhance technical assistance and improve farm productivity through personalized guidance and resources.
With these comprehensive measures now in place, Senator Pangilinan expressed optimism that the agriculture sector's recovery will be sustained over the long term. He concluded, "Umaasa tayong hindi lang isang fluke o swerte itong magandang balita ng pagbabalik ng agrikultura (We hope that this good news on agriculture's recovery is not just a fluke or a matter of luck)." The PHP1.77 trillion milestone represents a significant achievement for Philippine agriculture, setting a positive trajectory for future growth and development in this critical sector of the economy.
