The Department of Agriculture (DA) has rolled out measures to protect farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers from rising food costs caused by higher fuel prices, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Tuesday. The initiatives follow directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as part of a government-wide response to the ongoing energy emergency.
Food inflation for the poorest 30 percent of households jumped to 3.7 percent in March from 1.9 percent in February, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Cereals led the increase, contributing 41.8 percent, followed by fish and seafood at 36.2 percent, and vegetables at 21.1 percent.
While prices are expected to remain high in the short term, the DA assured that food supply is sufficient. “To protect our farmers and fisherfolk and keep food accessible, we are combining financial support with securing essential inputs like fertilizers,” Tiu Laurel said.
Programs like Benteng Bigas Meron Na! are being expanded, alongside accelerated infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads, rice processing systems, and post-harvest facilities. The DA is also mobilizing trucks to help vegetable producers in Benguet and assisting onion farmers through Food Terminal Inc. Affordable fertilizers are being sourced through Planters Product Inc. and the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority.
Additional interventions, including potential price caps on imported rice, are being considered to maintain affordability while keeping local producers motivated. Tiu Laurel emphasized that long-term investments in infrastructure and supply chains will help reduce costs, improve market access, and strengthen the agricultural sector’s resilience.
