Agriculture
Protecting WPS vital for 450,000 fisherfolk, food security
Nearly half a million Filipino fisherfolk depend on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihoods, making the area critical not only for territorial claims but also for the country’s economy and food supply. Speaking at the 10th anniversary commemoration of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther E. Bayate emphasized that securing fishing communities is key to strengthening food security, economic resilience and national sovereign rights. Official records show 453,246 registered fisherfolk live in areas along the West Philippine Sea, with the largest groups in Palawan, followed by Pangasinan, Batangas and Cavite.
Philippine saba solidify export presence in New Zealand with second shipment
A second commercial shipment of fresh Philippine saba bananas has arrived in Auckland, further strengthening the country’s position in the New Zealand market and showing growing international demand for this locally popular fruit.
NFA raises palay buying price, halts rice imports in Iloilo
The Department of Agriculture has announced two key measures to support rice farmers: a higher minimum purchase price for palay and a temporary ban on rice import arrivals in Iloilo during the upcoming harvest period.
Palay outlook brightens as corn forecast softens
The Philippines is on track for a stronger second-quarter rice harvest but faces a slight decline in corn production, reflecting the diverging fortunes of the country's two staple crops as farmers contend with shifting weather conditions and varying field productivity.
Satellite data modernizing DA operations in agri, fisheries sector
The Department of Agriculture is working closely with the Philippine Space Agency to expand the use of space technology and satellite data across the country’s farming and fisheries sectors, aiming to boost productivity, build better resilience to climate change, and deliver faster support to producers.
