The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is taking steps to secure a stable fertilizer supply as prices continue to rise.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will travel to Brunei this week to negotiate supply deals through the Southeast Asia Fertilizer Association. The DA said the Philippines is looking to strengthen partnerships with regional suppliers such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
For long-term supply, the DA is also exploring the possibility of building the country’s first urea fertilizer manufacturing plant. The proposed facility would be located in Semirara Island in Antique and could be completed before the end of 2027.
The agency is currently working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund a feasibility study. A project preparation grant worth at least $1 million is expected to assess whether the plant is viable. Officials clarified that this amount will only cover the study, with separate funding needed if construction pushes through.
Authorities said the project could involve a public-private partnership and would require coordination with the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Final decisions will depend on the study’s technical and financial findings.
Earlier, the DA said it had secured more than 80% of the country’s fertilizer needs through September but warned of possible delivery risks due to rising global prices. Talks are also ongoing with major producers like China, Russia, India, and Belarus.
Latest data show fertilizer prices in the Philippines range from about ₱1,116 to ₱2,936 per 50-kg bag, depending on the type.
