鈥�Food security is closely linked to strong supply chains; it is also the issue people feel most directly across ASEAN,鈥� ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chair Jose Ma. 鈥淛oey鈥� A. Concepcion III told the 大象传媒 Economic Forum on Monday.

Among the recommendations to strengthen food security is establishing a 鈥渃risis green lane鈥澨�听 for food, feed, fertilizer, and packaging to keep the trade open and avoid sudden export restrictions.

鈥�Prosperity for all means keeping food moving, energy flowing, and business running – especially during the times of crisis,鈥� Mr. Concepcion said.

Sufficient energy supply for the food system to ensure continuity amid disruptions, and easier financing support for farmers, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) were also recommended.

鈥�Make sure food systems have enough energy so food processing, cold storage, and logistics can continue during disruptions,鈥� he added. 鈥淪upport SMEs and farmers through easier access to financing so they can continue operations and protect jobs.鈥�

Data from the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report found that, based on population share, the Philippines ranked second-highest in Southeast Asia in terms of its inability to afford a nutritious diet.

The report added that eating nutritious meals in the country costs $4.39 听 a day in 2024, 34.7% higher compared to 2017.

Apart from food security, other recommendations of the council include improving regulatory flexibility and a permanent public-private mechanism to monitor disruptions and coordinate faster regional responses.

Mr. Concepcion noted that the ASEAN-BAC will present these recommendations and flagship programs to global leaders during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2026, scheduled in November, to ensure the inclusion of the private sector in the regional economic agenda.

鈥淚f the government and businesses work together, we can overcome today鈥檚 challenges, protect vulnerable sectors, and create more opportunities,鈥� he said.

鈥淣o sector, no economy, and no one in ASEAN is left behind,鈥� he added.

The Philippines, as the region鈥檚 2026 chair, will facilitate a year-long series of meetings to discuss collaborations and priorities on emerging issues across ASEAN.

Thematic priorities of the country鈥檚 chairship are anchored in three key pillars – Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment. 鈥� Almira Louise S. Martinez

During the May 1-5 period, which the PSA calls the first phase of May, the national average retail price of regular-milled rice rose 18.2% to P51.59 per kilo. The first-phase price was lower than the P51.62 average during the second phase of April (April 15-17), but higher than the P51.19 average a month earlier.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), the retail price of regular-milled rice increased 12.6% year on year to P46.63 per kilo.

Well-milled rice prices rose 15.8% to P58.33 per kilo year on year in the first phase of May, falling from P58.88 in the second phase of April and P58.34 a month earlier.

In the NCR, well-milled rice prices were 10.4% higher year on year at P55.15 per kilo.

Retail prices for special rice rose 10.6% year on year to P66.07.

Galunggong (round scad) retail prices rose 10.9% year on year to P238.78 per kilo in the first phase of May, against the P233.27 during the second phase of April and the P247.68 posted a month earlier.

At retail, chicken prices rose 0.5% year on year to P211.73 per kilo during the first phase of May, against the P212.49 posted during the second phase of April and the P212.83 recorded a month earlier.

The average retail price for kasim (pork shoulder) fell 6.1% year on year to P346.93 per kilo during the first phase of May. However, this was higher than the P346.16 recorded in the second phase of April and P344.41 a month earlier.

Retail prices for liempo (pork belly) fell 5.7% year on year to P369.29 per kilo, which was higher than the P368.53 during the second phase of May and the P369.13 recorded during the first phase of April. 鈥� Pierce Oel A. Montalvo

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the value of dairy production at constant 2018 prices grew 6.5% in the first quarter, picking up from the 5.1% growth posted a year earlier.

The volume of dairy production rose 6.47% to 11.79 million liters.

In a statement on Sunday, the NDA said the industry had been growing even before the arrival of imported animals for the agency鈥檚 stock farms. The imports are expected to strengthen the breeding base and increase milk production capacity.

The NDA said it expects stronger demand from the planned expansion of the Department of Education鈥檚 milk feeding program, with dairy products to be procured under the Sagip Saka Act.

鈥淭his initiative is expected to create stronger and more stable market demand for locally produced milk, which in turn will encourage our dairy farmers to further increase production and invest in herd expansion and productivity improvements,鈥� NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius T. Andaya said in the statement.

The NDA said per capita milk consumption increased to 19.53 liters in 2025 from 17.16 liters a year earlier.

For 2026, the NDA is projecting production of 53 million liters of milk, raising the country鈥檚 self-sufficiency level to 2.33% from 2.1% in March.

鈥淭he continued growth in the dairy industry reflects both the increasing productivity of our local dairy farmers and the continued implementation of programs at the farm level,鈥� Mr. Andaya said. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is seeking a P2.9-billion budget for its Coffee Industry Development Office (CIDO) for 2027 to support programs boosting the industry鈥檚 output.

Agriculture Undersecretary Jerome V. Oliveros, who heads the newly-created CIDO, said the funds will go into nursery expansion, post-harvest facilities, and additional staffing.

He said it is unlikely for the full amount to be approved because of fiscal constraints and competing priorities within the DA.

鈥淭here are other commodities, not just coffee. So we are still lobbying,鈥� he told reporters on the sidelines of the Hand-in-Hand National Investment Forum in Mandaluyong City last week.

Mr. Oliveros said the office is also exploring additional funding support from the Competitiveness Enhancement Measures Fund (CEMF).

The CEMF, established under Republic Act No. 8800, is drawn from safeguard duties collected on selected agricultural imports and is intended to help farmers and fisherfolk affected by competition from imports.

Of the proposed budget, he said CIDO is likely to request P750 million in Tier-1 funding, representing baseline costs. The remaining amount would be classified as Tier 2, which covers project expansions.

If approved, such an allocation would be a sharp increase from the P200-million budget for the coffee program this year.

Mr. Oliveros said that from the Tier-1 proposal, about P240 million could go to nursery expansion, which would allow the planting of roughly 120 million coffee trees, based on conservative scenarios.

鈥淚t鈥檚 still too far from what we鈥檙e targeting. But it won鈥檛 end there in the first year. You鈥檒l plant again in the second year. And in the third,鈥� he said.

Mr. Oliveros said the CIDO will prioritize the establishment and expansion of coffee nurseries in Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Sur, Benguet, and Tuburan, Cebu.

The office is also working with local government units to align coffee expansion zones with their comprehensive land use plans (CLUP).

Mr. Oliveros said this is intended to protect long-term investments in farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, and input support such as fertilizer and seed from future land conversion.

鈥淲e wanted to have coffee areas under the CLUP because the government will be infusing a lot of capital,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f suddenly the land is converted to residential or commercial use, the investment will be wasted.鈥�

In a statement on Sunday, the DA said farmgate prices of fresh palay dropped to P16 to P17 per kilo in parts of Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Isabela, and Cagayan, with about 77% of the harvest already completed.

It said, however, that the decline is localized, with prices in other areas at P23 to P24 per kilo.

To help stabilize prices, the DA said the National Food Authority (NFA) raised its buying price for dry palay to as much as P30 per kilo and is ramping up procurement in areas where prices have weakened.

The DA added that the NFA is introducing a direct purchase order system to allow farmers to sell to the grains agency ahead of the harvest.

Meanwhile, the DA said it is considering limiting monthly rice import volumes between June and August to ensure a stable supply without further dampening farmgate prices ahead of the next harvest cycle.

The DA said it is targeting a P22-per-kilo farmgate price for the September-to-November harvest period, which it sees as a crucial recovery window for farmers. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

In a policy brief, the FAO said longer-term resilience depends on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and imported inputs while improving efficiency across food production systems.

It said this shift will require concrete changes in how farms, fisheries, and livestock systems operate, particularly in their use of fuel, water, and key agricultural inputs.

In crop production, the FAO said Philippine farms should reduce dependence on synthetic, fuel-intensive fertilizers by improving nutrient-use efficiency, especially amid rising global fertilizer prices.

鈥淏iofertilizers, compost, and other organic soil amendments can support soil fertility and nutrient availability,鈥� the FAO said, adding that structural dependence on costly inputs can also be reduced through crop diversification and the use of more resilient plant varieties.

It called for the adoption of sustainable mechanization to cut fuel use and improve productivity.

鈥淲hen appropriately adapted to local conditions, sustainable mechanization can improve the timing and precision of operations, reduce the number of field passes, and limit losses of seed, fertilizer, and water,鈥� it said.

The FAO highlighted alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in irrigated rice fields as a key water-saving practice. AWD involves periodically allowing rice paddies to dry before re-flooding, reducing water use without significantly affecting yields.

It also recommended rainwater harvesting and small water reservoirs to reduce dependence on pumped irrigation. Where pumping is unavoidable, shifting to solar-powered systems can help farmers avoid diesel price volatility.

Meanwhile, for the fishery sector, which is among the most exposed to fuel price shocks, the FAO said fuel consumption per trip can be reduced through more efficient engines, improved vessel operation, and better hull and propeller design.

It also noted that solar-powered cold storage, refrigeration, and ice production can help reduce diesel use while preserving catch quality, particularly in remote coastal areas.

In livestock systems, the FAO emphasized securing feed supply and maximizing the use of farm by-products.

Silage can help address feed shortages during lean periods, while improved manure management, such as composting and anaerobic digestion, can produce both organic fertilizer and renewable energy.

The FAO said energy reforms should be rolled out in phases, starting with efficiency improvements and followed by investments in renewable energy and support systems.

鈥淨uick gains can come from operational efficiency and improved management practices. These should be complemented by enabling investments in advisory services, finance, maintenance systems, and water control infrastructure,鈥� it said. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Joint Department Circular No. 1, signed by six agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), canceled all allocations for the 54,210-metric-ton pork MAV issued under previous guidelines and consolidated for redistribution.

According to the circular, 50% of the MAV for pork will be distributed among meat importer-processors with verified local processing facilities, while other qualified MAV licensees are allocated 30%.

State trading enterprises, which include government-owned and -controlled entities, were allocated the remaining 20%.

In November, the DA suspended the distribution of MAV allocations for pork, citing the need to overhaul the allocation rules.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.听 said the DA was seeking to increase the share for processors to help keep prices of processed pork products affordable, while providing a portion to state entities that can be tapped to stabilize supply and retail prices.

MAV rules, formulated three decades ago, allow limited imports of certain agricultural commodities at favorable tariffs.

For pork, shipments within the MAV pay a 15% tariff, while volumes exceeding the MAV are charged the regular 25% rate.

Under the revised rules, all importers are required to reapply for MAV licenses, which will be valid for five years and subject to annual verification.

Allocations will be distributed through a 鈥渟ystematic distribution procedure,鈥� a raffle-based system that assigns volumes in economic lot sizes to qualified applicants.

A midyear redistribution round will be held to reallocate surrendered or unused quotas, which must be returned by the end of May to be included in the pool.

The circular also introduces a minimum utilization threshold of 70% for 2026, with failure to meet the requirement resulting in disqualification from the following year鈥檚 allocation. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) Director Rico J. Cabangon made the statement, noting听that forest-based sustainability stems from the fact that it can regenerate, unlike conventional energy sources.

鈥淭his is a renewable energy. So, as long as you plant biomass, you can use that for energy generation,鈥� Mr. Cabangon said in an interview during the first day of DOST-FPRDI鈥檚 Earth Day 2026 in Filipino.

Mr. Cabangon said the agency has developed various forest-based energy sources, such as bamboo pellets, a densified form of bamboo designed for optimum combustion for different use cases.

鈥淭his can be co-generated with coal so that we are not too dependent on coal, which is not renewable,鈥� he said. Coal accounted for the majority of electricity generated in the country, at about 61.92% in 2023, energy think tank Ember said.

Bamboo pellets are more energy efficient than other biomass materials like wood chips, which can generate as much as 12.15 gigajoules or 277 kilowatt-hours for every cubic meter of pellets, the DOST-FPRDI said in a separate statement.

They were also found to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the agency鈥檚 study, which aligns with the country鈥檚 climate change mitigation efforts.

The pellets are also lightweight and easy to transport, with diameters of around 9 to 12 millimeters (mm) and lengths of 20 to 30 mm.

Mr. Cabangon said the agency has also developed charcoal briquettes that are ideal for household use. He added that the agency recently visited Davao de Oro last week to identify a potential adopter in the region.

鈥淭hat can be used in our small-grid energy sources in Davao,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he energy generated from the biomass.鈥�

The charcoal briquette is likewise positioned as an alternative combustible fuel, made from a combined mix of charcoal fines and binder, then molded under pressure, the DOST-FPRDI said.

It also promises to burn slowly, resulting in higher heat per unit volume while producing no smoke.

Moving forward, Mr. Cabangon said the agency is further exploring alternative fuel sources made from bamboo, recognizing its fast-growing ability and higher carbon dioxide absorption, making it an ideal biomass fuel.

The DOST-FPRDI is the government research agency that spearheads the development of innovations and technologies for the sustainable use and processing of forest products in the country. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

The three-day expo, held in observance of Earth Day on Wednesday, is taking place at the DBM main office in Manila. It also marks the first collaboration between the DOST-FPRDI and DBM to showcase its products and services.

鈥淲e are trying to promote the technologies of FPRDI through the DBM so that stakeholders can appreciate the technologies we generate,鈥� Rico J. Cabangon, director of DOST-FPRDI, said in an interview during the expo鈥檚 kickoff event.

DOST-FPRDI showcased various forest-based product innovations, such as musical instruments, school chairs and desks, and furniture, all mainly made from engineered bamboo.

The featured innovations also serve as a concrete demonstration for the DBM, which oversees the national budget, of how allocated funds are being used and implemented by DOST-FPRDI.

More than 10 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in forest-based industries, most of which have benefited from DOST-FPRDI programs, were also invited to present their products.

鈥淲e want to help our MSMEs鈥攖hat is our main goal,鈥� Mr. Cabangon said, noting the expo鈥檚 intended outcome.

鈥淲e also want to promote the technologies we generate through our MSMEs and let our fellow Filipinos understand the importance of sustainability and environment-friendly technologies.鈥�

During his conversation with DBM Secretary Rolando U. Toledo during the expo tour, Mr. Cabangon said he was encouraged to strengthen efforts to raise public awareness of locally developed forest-based products, citing their potential.

Moving forward, he said the agency aims to continue its aggressive promotion through social media and partnerships with DOST regional offices and local government units to host similar exhibits.

鈥淗opefully, by the end of the year or early next year, we鈥檒l do that,鈥� Mr. Cabangon said.

He added that there is already an ongoing plan that requires sufficient preparation, funding, and resources to achieve the goal of making these technologies more phyically visible nationwide. 鈥�听Edg Adrian A. Eva

In a statement on Sunday, the DA said the new outlets will be established in priority and high-need areas, including Capiz, Bukidnon, Cebu, Cotabato, and Catanduanes.

According to the DA, the FTI-NFA agreement also covers procurement of around 1.8 million 50-kilogram sacks of well-milled rice, supported by a P3-billion allocation under the government鈥檚 P10-billion 鈥淩ice for All鈥� program.

The DA said part of the funding will also be used to expand palay (unmilled rice) procurement to support farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the expansion is intended to improve access to affordable rice as transport costs continue to affect retail prices.

鈥淲e have sufficient food supply, but elevated fuel and logistics costs are pushing market prices to levels that further pressure the budgets of many Filipinos,鈥� he said.

As of the first quarter of 2026, the program had 932 outlets, including KADIWA stores, NFA warehouses, local government units, National Government agencies, and FTI-accredited sellers, the DA said.

It added that the program had served 6.45 million beneficiaries as of April 7. Eligible beneficiaries include senior citizens, 4Ps households, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and selected farmers and fisherfolk.

The DA said the program鈥檚 expansion also includes longer operating hours to improve beneficiaries鈥� access to subsidized rice. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

In a report, the USDA鈥檚 Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Manila said soybean meal (SBM) imports are forecast to increase slightly from 3.25 MMT in the previous marketing year, due to high feed demand from key livestock and aquaculture segments.

Despite an ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak affecting the hog industry, overall SBM consumption is projected to expand as poultry and aquaculture production offset weaker swine industry demand.

鈥淥ngoing ASF cases continue to limit hog feed demand relative to pre鈥慉SF years, but feed use for poultry and aquaculture maintains overall SBM consumption growth in marketing year 2026/27,鈥� according to the report.

FAS Manila projects SBM feed use to rise by 0.9% to 3.28 MMT in marketing year 2026-2027, reflecting higher demand for both commercial and self-mixed feed.

It said higher output in poultry and aquaculture also drives SBM demand, as feed in these sectors typically have the highest soybean mixes.

Meanwhile, FAS Manila said soybean imports are forecast to grow 2.4% to 128,000 metric tons, driven by rising demand for soybean-based food and beverage products such as soy drinks, soy sauce, and tofu.

鈥淒emand for soy drinks and soy sauce continues to expand year on year. In the Philippines, soybeans are processed into a range of food products鈥� including soymilk, soy sauce, soy oil, tofu, bean curd, and fermented soybean products,鈥� it said.

FAS Manila said total sales volume of soy-based products rose by an average of 0.3% per year between 2023 and 2025, and is expected to further increase by an average of 2% between 2025 and 2026.听

It said the Philippines will continue to rely on imports of both soybeans and soybean meal due to limited domestic production and processing capacity. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

In Department Circular No. 18, the DA said it now recognizes Germany鈥檚 regionalization approach for ASF, allowing the resumption of imports of pork and related by-products from designated disease-free zones.听

The Philippines imposed a ban in 2020 to prevent the entry of ASF through imports of live pigs and pork products from Germany, one of Europe鈥檚 largest hog producers.

According to the circular, the DA鈥檚 Bureau of Animal Industry found that Germany maintains 鈥渟ufficient veterinary oversight鈥� and has implemented control and mitigation measures that reduce the risk of ASF transmission from identified regions.

The DA said the decision was based on compliance with Administrative Circular No. 12, Series of 2025, which sets guidelines for bilateral recognition of regionalization for ASF among accredited exporting countries.听

Under ASF regionalization rules, live swine must come from ASF-free zones, show no clinical signs of infection, and avoid restricted areas during transport.

Pork products must also originate from ASF-free regions, be transported in sealed vehicles directly to approved slaughterhouses, and pass both ante- and post-mortem inspections.

Exporting countries鈥� veterinary authorities must also provide detailed reports on ASF surveillance, control measures, and boundaries of ASF-free regions. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

The project is titled 鈥淒evelopment and Application of Rapid, Non-destructive Heavy Metal and Trace Element Detection Techniques in Plant Materials.鈥�

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the project is a scientific intervention aimed at addressing heavy metal contamination in agricultural lands.

鈥淭his project will help improve the quality of our produce while equipping our farmers with a cost-effective method for detecting heavy metals,鈥� he said.

Heavy metals and trace elements can be found in crops due to agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, industrial activities in nearby areas, metal equipment used in processing, as well as transport and storage, DOST said.

Heavy metals that may be present in crops include cadmium, copper, lead, chromium, arsenic, and mercury, which, if consumed in significant amounts, can cause cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, and kidney diseases.

Through the project, high-value agricultural crops such as cacao, coffee, and mangoes鈥攐ften produced for export鈥攚ill be tested for heavy metal contamination using a portable diagnostic method based on nuclear-related techniques.

If successful, farmers, farm owners, and other stakeholders will have access to a cost-effective and accessible device that can help improve crop quality, marketability, and livelihoods.

The project is being implemented by the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and monitored by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

It is expected to run for two years in the regions of Ilocos, Western Visayas, Davao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

The project was formally launched during a meeting held on January 12. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

The bamboo pellets, a densified form of bamboo developed by the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), are designed for optimum combustion and have various uses.

鈥淚n coal-fired power plants, bamboo pellets can be used as a co-firing fuel. For biomass-based industries, they can serve as a supplementary fuel source to conventional materials such as bagasse and rice hull,鈥� Rico J. Cabangon, DOST-FPRDI director, said in a statement.

Bamboo pellets can also be used as an alternative to charcoal for household cooking, which Mr. Cabangon noted is denser and results in a higher heating value compared with conventional charcoal.

By using bamboo, FPRDI said the country is assured of a sustainable and locally sourced fuel supply, as the plant is abundant in the country and fast-growing.

Bamboo pellets are also more energy-efficient than other biomass materials like wood chips. They can generate as much as 12.15 gigajoules or 277 kilowatt-hours for every cubic meter of pellets.

FPRDI also said co-fired bamboo pellets significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions based on a study, aligning with the country鈥檚 climate change mitigation efforts.

They are also lightweight and easy to transport, with a diameter of about 8 to 12 millimeters and a length of 20 to 30 millimeters.

鈥淏y turning a fast-growing local resource like bamboo into a fuel alternative, we are helping build a future that is less dependent on finite resources and more grounded in sustainable materials,鈥� Mr. Cabangon said.

Bamboo pellets are made by splitting fresh bamboo into slats and shredding it into chips. It is then sun-dried, ground into fine powder, and compressed into pellets using a pelletizer.

The agency has also developed charcoal briquettes, another alternative combustible fuel, which are made by combining a mix of charcoal fines and binder, then molding them under pressure.

They also burn slowly to provide more intense heat per unit volume while producing no smoke, FPRDI said.

Aside from being a sustainable alternative fuel source, these technologies can be adopted by small businesses and rural communities to engage in biomass fuel production.

鈥淲ith the right support, communities can establish small-scale pelletizing or briquetting operations to generate income as they participate directly in building a more resilient and localized energy system,鈥� Mr. Cabangon said.

As DOST-FPRDI continues to carry out its mandate, it hopes these technologies can contribute to a more sustainable, affordable, and secure energy future for the country. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

In an industry brief, the CFA said 鈥淒espite being the world鈥檚 leading exporter, the Philippines faces a 鈥榮ourcing paradox,鈥� where local firms import abaca fiber largely from Ecuador, due to weak coordination in domestic supply chains.鈥�

It added that the industry鈥檚 fundamental supply issues are rooted in recurring typhoons, pest infestations, and diseases such as the abaca bunchy top virus, which has significantly affected plantations in the Eastern Visayas.

鈥淭hese challenges also discourage farmers from expanding production, further contributing to the overall decrease in output,鈥� the CFA added.

Abaca production fell to 39,089 metric tons (MT) in 2025 from 58,943 MT in 2021, based on government data cited in the CFA report.

Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, remains one of the Philippines鈥� key agricultural exports, with the country able to service about 87% of global demand, according to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority.

The natural fiber derived from the plant is used in ropes, textiles, tea bags, banknotes, and specialty paper.

The CFA called for sustained investment in research and development, particularly to develop disease-resistant varieties and to improve farm productivity.

It added that connecting farmers more directly to domestic processors could help reverse a multi-year decline in production and improve supply reliability.

Some programs cited in the report are the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority鈥檚 鈥淎dopt a Farm鈥� program, which connects private investors directly to abaca farmers. The program aims to guarantee market access for producers while securing a consistent supply of raw materials for manufacturers.

The CFA said the opportunities for the industry when it recovers include rising demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

In a statement on Sunday, the DA said听galunggong听volume rose to 16,165.52 metric tons (MT) from 8,161.92 MT a year earlier.

The DA鈥檚 Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) said the galunggong stock was replenished after the closed season between November and January, with conditions also favorable for vessel deployment.

The PFDA said other environmental factors, including ocean changes associated with El Ni帽o, may have influenced fish migration and catch rates.

Of the total, shortfin scad accounted for 9,731.68 MT, while bigeye scad reached 6,433.84 MT.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the figures reflect gains from long-term fisheries management, including the seasonal fishing bans.

鈥淎 decade of implementing the closed fishing season policy has contributed to the recovery of fish stocks, and we are now seeing the results in higher and more stable landings,鈥� he said in the statement.

PFDA General Manager Glen A. Pangapalan noted the need for continued investment in cold storage, logistics, and post-harvest facilities to sustain supply and limit losses.

鈥淪trengthening infrastructure will help minimize losses and ensure that increased landings translate into better-quality fish and improved returns for stakeholders,鈥� he said in the statement. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

The loans represented amortization owed to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK).

In a statement on Sunday, the DAR said 300 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage were distributed, covering 435.52 hectares of agricultural land.

The DAR said the debt relief was authorized by Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which allows unpaid amortization of qualified ARBs to be condoned.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Eduardo E. Suaybaguio said the condonation allows ARBs to redirect resources to farm development.

鈥淭hrough the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, farmers are finally relieved of their land debt, allowing them to focus on improving their farms and securing a better future for their families,鈥� he was quoted as saying in the statement. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

A SEAFOOD enterprise is working to connect fisherfolk from Mindanao to premium seafood markets, with the aim of raising fisherfolk鈥檚 incomes, promote high-quality products, and improve traceability.

Founded in 2022, MINDANAW Seafood has grown from a two-person startup operating out of a studio apartment into a 26-member organization supplying seafood to institutional buyers and retail markets.

MINDANAW Seafood now offers about 30 seafood products sourced from fisherfolk and aquaculturists across mainland Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago, and Palawan. It primarily caters to institutional buyers such as hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses, particularly in the Greater Manila Area.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 the market that traditional players from Mindanao find difficult to tap into,鈥� Jerrhad H. Nadonza, co-founder and executive director of MINDANAW Seafood, told听大象传媒.

Mr. Nadonza, a fisheries professional, said the company was established to unlock the potential of Mindanao fisheries, while addressing persistent challenges faced by producers, including low incomes and limited market access.

鈥淚t started both as a dream and as a protest,鈥� he said.

While Mindanao supplies a significant share of the country鈥檚 seafood, he said it remains disconnected from its largest markets.

鈥淲e saw that there鈥檚 a greater potential for Mindanao seafood commodities,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f we look at the geography of our country, Mindanao is the farthest if we consider Metro Manila as the main market, which represents nearly three-quarters of the seafood demand.鈥�

This gap has resulted in a long and costly supply chain, where seafood passes through multiple intermediaries before reaching consumers. According to Mr. Nadonza, this structure often erodes both product quality and producer earnings.

MINDANAW Seafood鈥檚 model focuses on improving this system by shortening the supply chain, strengthening post-harvest handling, and promoting traceability.

By linking fisherfolk and aquaculturists directly to buyers, the company reduces reliance on intermediaries, improves pricing for producers, and provides them with stable market access.

鈥淔or the longest time, many fall to predatory buyers,鈥� Mr. Nadonza said. 鈥淧rices can be so low that they are sometimes even below production cost.鈥�

He added that fisherfolk are often forced to sell quickly due to the perishable nature of their catch, leaving them with little bargaining power.

鈥淥therwise, their catch will spoil. And many are already tied to debt even before they go out to sea,鈥� he said.

Mr. Nadonza said the brand鈥檚 approach is meant to challenge this system.

鈥淚t is a protest against that kind of system. We want to change it so that producers take the lead and receive a bigger share of the value,鈥� he said.

Mr. Nadonza said the company also works to improve product quality, value addition, and shelf life through better post-harvest handling and basic processing, such as filleting and deboning.

At the community level, the company also encourages fisherfolk to organize into associations or cooperatives to consolidate supply.

鈥淚t鈥檚 difficult when it鈥檚 done in small volumes,鈥� Mr. Nadonza said. 鈥淲e encourage them to organize so they can achieve economies of scale.鈥�

The company now moves about 80,000 kilos of seafood a month, all of which it says is locally sourced and traceable. Shrimp accounts for a significant portion of its volume, supported by a network of aquaculturists.

As operations scale up, Mr. Nadonza said MINDANAW Seafood has begun expanding beyond Metro Manila, with sales offices in North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, and Cebu.

But beyond its commercial operations, the company said it wants to be community-centered, with producers at the core of its business model.

鈥淲hen we sell MINDANAW as a brand, we sell the stories of the communities we partner with. This is not about us. This is about the producers who are actually very dedicated to producing high-quality products,鈥� Mr. Nadonza said.

Through its advocacy arm, Mapiya Mindanaw, the organization supports environmental protection, social inclusion, and research initiatives. These include programs for fishing communities, Indigenous Peoples, women, and LGBTQ+ groups.

Mr. Nadonza, who also serves as the social engagement head at Mapiya Mindanaw, said the advocacy arm is also funding research on seafood and new food systems.

As part of its environmental efforts, the company has also established a carbon sink and sequestration facility, planting about 17,000 trees as of the end of 2025, with a target of adding 10,000 more this year.

鈥淥ur goal is by 2030, we want to be the first net-zero seafood brand in the Philippines. We want to absorb more carbon than what we actually release,鈥� Mr. Nadonza said.

Looking ahead, MINDANAW Seafood plans to expand into value-added products, including ready-to-eat seafood meals aimed at convenience stores and supermarkets.

Mr. Nadonza said the company also hopes to encourage more young Filipinos to enter the fisheries sector and adopt similar business models.

鈥淲e want to inspire more young entrepreneurs and startups to enter the seafood industry,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he Philippines is a large country with many producers and many mouths to feed. We cannot do this alone.鈥�

In a statement on Sunday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the planned fuel subsidy aims to stabilize deliveries and ease cost pressures on transporters, as surging oil prices continue to drive up logistics expenses.

The DA said industry participants reported that freight costs have doubled or tripled in recent weeks, with rising fuel costs adding an estimated P1 to P2 per kilo for vegetables shipped to Metro Manila.

The DA said it deployed its own fleet of trucks as well as the听 local government units (LGUs) and farmers鈥� groups to transport produce from farms to trading centers and key markets.

The DA said it is paying for fuel for these operations and monitoring LGU reports to better direct produce to locations with limited supply.

The DA said it will consult with LGUs, state-run Food Terminal, Inc., and other officials to refine support measures for farmers and transport operators. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement that the task force institutionalizes what had previously been an ad hoc monitoring system within the agency.

鈥淪ince the start of the war, we鈥檝e been operating on an ad hoc basis. Now we are formalizing the task force so reports are standardized and more detailed, enabling faster and better decision making,鈥� he said.

The task force will oversee developments in the supply and pricing of essential commodities, as well as track imports and exports. It is expected to produce daily briefings for submission to Congress and the Office of the President.

He said earlier monitoring efforts were conducted on an informal basis following the onset of geopolitical disruptions.

The task force will also assess the impact of shipping disruptions, particularly in the Middle East, on major agricultural exports such as bananas and pineapples.

To mitigate the impact, the DA said it is working with financial institutions, including the Land Bank of the Philippines, to extend assistance to affected exporters.

The DA is also exploring alternative export markets in Africa, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

The PSA said agro-based exports accounted for 8.3% of total exports by value.

Exports in the first two months rose 4.5% to $1.19 billion.

Coconut products, the Philippines鈥� top agricultural export commodity, posted a 6.5% increase to $313.41 million in February. The commodity group accounted for 4.3% of total exports.

Fruit and vegetable exports grew 17.3% to $227.48 million in February, driven by 56.6% growth in shipments of pineapple and pineapple products. Fruit and vegetables accounted for 3.1% of the Philippines鈥� total exports.

Outbound shipments of other agro-based products, including seafood, rubber, and various types of plant fiber, declined 13.2% to $66.94 million in February. This group of commodities accounted for 0.9% of total exports.

The biggest export gains were recorded for copra meal or cake (547.5%), pineapple concentrate (143.6%), pineapple juice (86.0%), canned pineapple (65.4%), and desiccated coconut (42.7%).

The top declines in export growth were posted by abaca fiber (-76.6%), mangoes (-43.6%), sugar products (-33.7%), rubber (-19.6%), and unmanufactured tobacco (-13.3%). 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

In a policy note, the government think tank said the current 鈥渞ecovery-rate鈥� scheme, under which farmers are paid based on the volume of sap delivered, limits earnings and discourages participation in higher-value activities such as processing and packaging.

Misamis Oriental is a key coconut-producing province, with output topping 520,000 metric tons in 2025, or almost 30% of total production in Northern Mindanao, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The study found farmers to be concentrated in upstream activities, particularly sap tapping and initial boiling, while cooperatives handle processing, packaging, and marketing.

According to PIDS, this structure limits farmers鈥� participation in higher-value segments of the supply chain and constrains income growth.

The report said that while coconut sugar has emerged as a high-value sweetener with strong growth in domestic and international markets, farmers have yet to benefit from this growth.

鈥淢acro-level success has not translated into micro-level prosperity. Over 90% of coconut farmers remain below the national poverty threshold,鈥� it read.

PIDS said the payment system reinforces this outcome, with compensation based on volume rather than on quality or the level of processing. This reduces incentives for farmers to improve product quality or engage in downstream activities.

The study recommended shifting to a stage-based pricing model that would account for both quality and processing activities to encourage greater participation in value addition.

It also called for the establishment of barangay-level shared facilities for drying, granulation, and packaging to address equipment and capital constraints faced by small producers.

鈥淚mproving access to shared village-level facilities for drying, granulation, and packaging enables farmers to transition from raw sap selling to higher-value coconut sugar products,鈥� the report concluded.

The think tank also cited the need for regulatory support to improve market access.

鈥淕overnment agencies should provide faster assistance for food safety certification and compliance with market standards,鈥� it said.听

It added that access to concessional loans and small-scale financing should be expanded to support investment in processing technology.

PIDS said market conditions remain favorable, noting that 鈥済rowing domestic and global demand for natural sugar alternatives positions coconut sugar as a high-potential product, provided supply chains stabilize and participation deepens.鈥�

The report concluded that coordinated interventions in infrastructure, pricing, financing, and regulation are needed to improve farmer participation and support more inclusive growth. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Binhi launched in February in selected markets in Metro Manila and Cebu, offering lower-priced well-milled rice.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the government-owned food processing and logistics firm is selling Binhi for P48 per kilo in its Metro Manila outlets.

鈥淔TI is selling this brand. It is now available in a total of 36 markets in less than a month (since launch), and there is ongoing distribution to other markets,鈥� Mr. Laurel told 大象传媒 via WhatsApp.

Mr. Laurel said FTI plans to expand the distribution of Binhi to more markets in Metro Manila and Cebu as additional stocks arrive.

The DA said the brand is sourced from both imported and domestically produced rice.

The DA added that Planters Products, Inc. (PPI), a state-run agro-chemical trading and marketing firm, has also begun selling rice at P45 per kilo in Cebu Province, including selected markets in Danao City and Mandaue City.

The prices set by FTI and PPI are within the prevailing retail price range of P46 to P48 per kilo of well-milled rice in Metro Manila, according to DA price monitors.

However, these prices are lower than recent highs of around P50 per kilo for imported well-milled rice and about P57 per kilo for domestic well-milled rice.

Mr. Laurel said the initiative is intended to help stabilize rice prices by offering competitively priced options.

鈥淲e are creating competition so that the prices of imported rice become more reasonable. This should help consumers,鈥� he said.

Meanwhile, the DA and the FTI said beneficiaries of the government鈥檚 P20-per-kilo subsidized rice program will continue to enjoy access to supply despite 鈥渦nusually large crowds鈥� observed at distribution sites.

鈥淭he flagship 鈥楤enteng Bigas, Meron Na!鈥� initiative 鈥� popularly known as the P20-per-kilo rice program 鈥� continues to be adequately supplied, the DA said in a statement on Sunday.

Mr. Laurel said in the statement that the National Food Authority is continuously milling rice to replenish inventories being sold at government-run KADIWA Program centers and other distribution sites managed by local government units.

The DA also urged beneficiaries not to abuse the subsidized rice program.

鈥淲e understand that the conflict in the Middle East is stoking anxiety among many Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable sectors,鈥� Mr. Laurel said. 鈥淏ut acting out of panic will only worsen the situation. We have enough rice buffer and a good harvest.鈥� 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

In a statement, PhilRice said developers are improving the PalayCheck App 2.0, the SMART-ICM Monitoring System, and the Scaling Rice Development Initiative Pest and Nutrient Management platform.

鈥淭hese tools are being improved based on field feedback, which will support LGUs in helping farmers address yield gaps, limited machinery access, and climate risks,鈥� Dindo King M. Donayre, SMART Farm Program lead, was quoted as saying in the statement.

PhilRice said the upgraded systems have been tested using real farm data to streamline data entry, improve workflows, and ensure accurate recommendations on fertilizer use, cropping sequences, and monitoring indicators.

An advisory feature is also being updated to include nutrient management guidance using diagnostic tools such as the minus-one-element technique, leaf color chart, and comparisons of around 20 rice varieties suitable for planting.

PhilRice said planned upgrades on its digital tools include offline functionality for use in the field, simplified farmer registration, and stronger data validation to improve record accuracy.

Mr. Donayre said PhilRice aims to roll out the upgraded PalayCheck App and monitoring platform by the first quarter of 2026, enabling wider adoption by LGUs and field technicians.

The agency said the upgrading of the digital tools is expected to benefit 3,780 farmers, including a 30-hectare clustered pilot site where local partnerships will help farmers access fertilizer and other inputs. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

鈥淧rocurement will start in the second quarter. The DA will jumpstart the implementation of around 190 projects nationwide,鈥� Cristy Cecilia P. Polido, director of the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), told 大象传媒 via Viber.

This year, the DA is taking over the construction of FMR projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), with BAFE serving as the lead office for the program.

The DPWH was partly defunded because of the 2025 flood control corruption scandal, with FMRs taken away from it and the DA promising to build roads more attuned to farmer needs and more efficiently.

The FMR program was allocated P33 billion in the 2026 national budget to fund more than 1,600 projects, covering over 2,000 kilometers of roads.

With the takeover, the DA expects to accelerate project implementation and reduce the previously estimated cost of around P15 million per kilometer for a five-meter-wide FMR.

According to Administrative Order (AO) No. 4, signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. on March 6, the DA will identify priority FMR projects based on commodity roadmaps, the location of the majority of farmers and fisherfolk, and poverty rates.

Local government units (LGUs), community-based organizations, and farmers鈥� groups may also propose FMR projects, according to AO No. 4, a copy of which was obtained by 大象传媒.

The order assigned FMR projects mainly to the BAFE and DA regional field offices, especially for high-impact commodity projects.

However, the DA may also enter into memoranda of agreement with the DPWH, qualified LGUs, other partners, or resort to public-private partnerships as authorized by the General Appropriations Act.

In cases where the DPWH implements the projects, it will be held to DA standards, specifications, costing, and technical guidelines.

鈥淭he DPWH shall utilize the FMR Transparency Portal to ensure transparency, accountability, and public access to project information,鈥� according to the order.

LGUs will only be allowed to implement FMR projects if they demonstrate sufficient technical capability, financial capacity, administrative and legal compliance, and a commitment to sustainability.

鈥淭he LGU shall likewise provide 10% project counterpart funding, in cash or in kind, which may be utilized to fund expenses identified in the (memorandum of agreement),鈥� the order read. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

In a statement on Sunday, the DA said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. directed procurement and warehouse officials on March 5 to halt the distribution of fertilizer from several suppliers while the DA and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) undertake a full review of the products.

The DA said the investigation targets suppliers flagged in preliminary FPA quality tests, including Agri鈥慥ictorious Trading Corp., DQB Green Agricultural Products Trading, Valap Inc., Dos Asia Chemical Trading Corp., and Rova Fertilizer Manufacturing.

鈥淲e agreed to pay the price they bid, yet they delivered substandard products. That is highway robbery, and we will not allow it. They have no shame,鈥� Mr. Laurel was quoted as saying in a statement.

According to the DA, no stocks from the identified suppliers may be released, distributed, or utilized until the review is concluded and formal clearance is issued by the Office of the Secretary.

DA personnel were also ordered to submit reports on pending deliveries, ongoing transactions, and other documentation to aid the assessment, the DA said. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

HOG AND POULTRY raisers called for higher tariffs on imported meat after January inbound shipments rose 4.23% year on year, intensifying pressure on farmers already struggling with low farmgate prices.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) reported that meat imports in January amounted to听 143.84 million kilos.

Alfred Ng, vice chairman of the National Federation of Hog Raisers, told听大象传媒听that the swine industry is struggling to keep up with the surge of cheap pork imports.

鈥淐urrent liveweight prices are below production cost, and farmers are losing money. The landed cost of these imported pork is P120 per kilo, which is lower than our production cost,鈥� he said via Viber.

Mr. Ng is urging the government to limit imports and restore higher tariffs on pork products.

鈥淲e therefore request the government to bring back tariffs to the original levels of 35% to 45% from 15% to 25% currently, (and to) control and limit pork importation to the actual deficit of pork supply in the country,鈥� he said.

Rosendo O. So, chairman of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), said pork imports this year should be reduced to around 550,000 metric tons, after carryover stock from earlier imports left a 鈥渟ubstantial oversupply.鈥�

Mr. So said import volumes should be managed in the same way rice imports were restricted last year, when an influx of cheaper foreign rice led to significant losses for farmers.

鈥淭he government saw that situation with rice, so the same approach should be applied to pork,鈥� he was quoted as saying in a SINAG statement on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Elias Jose M. Inciong, chairman of the United Broiler Raisers Association, said the surge in chicken imports shows that current tariff rates are not sufficient to protect the poultry industry.

鈥淚f you look at the declared transaction values for imported chicken, and even if you apply a 40% tariff, it is still cheaper,鈥� he told the plenary session at the International Farmers Summit last week.

Despite an increase in domestic poultry production, chicken imports rose 8.92% year on year in January to 49.7 million kilos.

Mr. Ng also flagged the surge in imports of whole chicken, which he said are usually less preferred over other chicken cuts.

鈥淏efore, there were no inbound shipments of whole chicken because they were more expensive. However, prices have dropped to almost $1.70 to $1.80 (per kilo),鈥� he said.

According to the BAI, shipments of whole chicken in January grew to 884,414 kilos from 83,732 kilos a year earlier.

Separately, Mr. Inciong told听大象传媒听that the poultry industry is at a disadvantage against heavily subsidized competitors.

鈥淲e are being compelled to compete with countries that have received serious domestic support for decades. In contrast, it is only now that agriculture (in the Philippines) is taken seriously because of supply chain disruptions and climate change,鈥� he said via Viber.

SINAG Executive Director Jayson H. Cainglet said the government should immediately establish fully equipped first-border inspection facilities at all major ports to protect the livestock and poultry industries against biosecurity threats.

鈥淲e seek the support of the government to strengthen biosecurity, enhance food security regulations for food safety and public health, and prevent the entry of contaminated or disease-affected meat through 100% inspection at the port of entry,鈥� Mr. Cainglet said in his presentation at the International Farmers Summit.

He also called on the government to implement stricter measures to prevent misdeclaration and undervaluation of meat imports.

Mr. Ng also urged the DA to implement strict inspection systems in planned biosecurity facilities. He said an earlier DA presentation for planned cold examination facilities in agriculture (CEFA) in Manila, Subic, and Davao proposed only five-minute X-ray inspections.

鈥淲hen it was presented to us, they said the X-ray inspection would last only five minutes. We are concerned that they want the goods to pass quickly. We should have a real inspection,鈥� Mr. Ng told reporters.

The DA is currently constructing CEFAs to prevent the entry of plant pests and economically significant animal diseases. Operations of the facilities are expected to commence by 2027.

Mr. Ng said the facilities must include laboratory tests to detect animal diseases. 鈥淗ow can they detect that if it鈥檚 just X-ray? The only thing they鈥檒l be able to check is misdeclaration,鈥� he said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told reporters in December that the CEFAs will feature laboratories to test for diseases. He did not immediately respond to a query seeking clarification.

Danilo V. Fausto, president of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc., said the government should prioritize the development of the coconut industry.

鈥淲e should first accelerate the development of our coconut industry, where the Philippines has a dominant and competitive edge in the world,鈥� he told听大象传媒听via Viber.

Mr. Fausto said the government should invest in post-harvest facilities, logistics, and technology to increase coconut farmer incomes.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is ramping up efforts to expand oil palm plantations in Mindanao to curb imports and bolster the supply of edible oils.

Oil palm yields average about 3.8 metric tons per hectare, compared with less than one metric ton per hectare for coconut. Because of higher yield, oil palm farmers earn at least double the roughly P90,000 that coconut farmers earn annually, the DA said.听

Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Dexter R. Buted said it is working on establishing nurseries in Mindanao and cultivating planting materials on a local basis.

Former Agriculture Undersecretary Fermin D. Adriano said Mindanao is suitable for palm production because it is rarely visited by strong typhoons, but cited land consolidation as a major constraint.

鈥淭he main problem is acquiring contiguous lands for palm oil production. You need thousands of hectares. The Malaysians and the Japanese tried in the past but failed to consolidate land for palm oil production,鈥� he told听大象传媒听via Viber.

Former Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said the DA鈥檚 palm oil expansion plans must not disturb forested areas.

鈥淲e need to protect our environment while pushing for the expansion of palm oil production in the country,鈥� he told听大象传媒听via Viber.

Mr. Dar said joint ventures between agribusiness companies and clusters of farmers should be encouraged to develop the industry.

鈥淚n effect, a public-private-producer partnership will be the best business model anchored on regenerative and resilient agriculture,鈥� he said.

Charles R. Avila, chairman of the Confederation of Coconut Farmers鈥� Organizations of the Philippines, expressed his opposition to expanding oil palm, citing risks to biodiversity and the potential for exploitative labor practices.

鈥淭he conversion of natural vegetation to monoculture plantations, as in oil palm, definitely reduces biodiversity鈥� the industry is associated with exploitative practices, low wages, disappearance of land rights, and precarious working conditions for farm workers,鈥� he told听大象传媒听via Viber.

Mr. Avila also said it was a mistake to task the PCA with overseeing oil palm expansion.

鈥淚t is the same PCA that was made to assure the nation that they have the formula to double the income of coconut farmers through its various productivity and social service programs,鈥� he said.

鈥淒oes not the government believe its own PCA? Why, then, use (the coconut industry鈥檚) low productivity as an argument to shift to oil palm?鈥� Mr. Avila added. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante J. Palabrica told reporters that Germany鈥檚 application for ASF regionalization could be completed and approved within the next three months.

Mr. Palabrica said Germany first applied for regionalization status two years ago, but the process has been slow due to the rigorous document review conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

鈥淲e require a lot of paperwork and are very strict with the documents. That鈥檚 why Germany has yet to be given regionalization status,鈥� he said on the sidelines of the International Farmers Summit in Pasay City.

Mr. Palabrica said delays often stem from slow responses from Germany.

Last year, the DA formally adopted ASF regionalization rules, under which pork products must originate from ASF-free regions, be transported in sealed vehicles directly to approved slaughterhouses, and pass both ante- and post-mortem inspections.

German pork imports were first suspended in 2019 after meat from ASF-affected Poland was found in German shipments.

A subsequent ban was enforced in 2020 after Germany reported its first official ASF case in a wild boar.

Live swine must also come from ASF-free zones, show no clinical signs of infection, and avoid restricted areas during transport.

Once the application is cleared, both countries must sign a bilateral agreement outlining specific animal health requirements.

Other major exporters like Poland, Russia, and Canada have obtained regionalization approval from the Philippines. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

In its quarterly livestock bulletin, the PSA reported a 0.5% year-on-year increase in the swine population to 8.79 million head in the fourth quarter.

The PSA said 78.3% of the swine population was from smallhold farms, while the remaining 20.4% and 1.3% were from commercial and semi-commercial farms, respectively.

Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) recorded the highest swine population with 1.14 million head as of Dec. 31. This was followed by Central Luzon and the Bicol Region, with corresponding inventories of 1.04 million and 0.69 million head, respectively.

Hog production on a liveweight basis in the fourth quarter increased 1.6% year on year to 454,980 metric tons (MT).

The chicken population increased 5.2% year on year in the fourth quarter to 217.23 million birds.

The PSA said native or improved chickens accounted for 35.3% of the population, while broiler chickens accounted for 34.5%. Layer chickens and gamefowl for breeding accounted for 25.8% and 4.4% of the total, respectively.

The top chicken population was recorded in Calabarzon at 43.82 million birds, followed by Central Luzon with 38.81 million and Northern Mindanao with 17.76 million.

Chicken output on a live weight basis in the fourth quarter rose 9.4% to 613,560 MT from 560,740 in the same period in 2024.

Meanwhile, the cattle herd declined 1.3% year on year to 2.51 million head in the fourth quarter.

According to the PSA, 86.3% of the cattle herd was raised by smallhold farms, while the remaining 11.3% and 2.4% by semi-commercial and commercial farms, respectively.

The Central Visayas had the largest cattle herd with 273,100 head, followed by the Ilocos Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with corresponding populations of 259,670 and 253,650.

Cattle production on a liveweight basis听 declined 1.5% to 64,940 MT in the fourth quarter. 鈥� Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel