MANILA: The Philippine agriculture sector experienced a notable acceleration in growth, registering a 1.2 percent increase in 2023, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. expressed satisfaction with the sector's contribution to the country's economic expansion but acknowledged the potential for further improvement.
According to Philippines News Agency, the growth in the agriculture sector was propelled by significant increases in poultry and livestock production, enhanced fruit harvests, and a record-breaking rice output. This performance marks an improvement from the 0.6 percent expansion observed in 2022. The agriculture sector, which employs approximately 25 percent of the Filipino labor force, contributed to 9 percent of the nation's gross domestic product last year.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported a historic high in rice production, reaching 20.06 million metric tons in 2023. This achievement contributed to a reduction in rice imports and an increase in farmers' incomes, supported by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund under the Rice Tariffication Law. Tiu-Laurel highlighted the department's commitment to modernizing agriculture, enhancing food production, ensuring food security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk. Plans include increased investments in farm inputs, storage facilities, and the construction of more irrigation systems to bolster the sector's growth and productivity.
The DA's budget for the current year stands at PHP167.5 billion, marking a 5 percent increase from 2023, underscoring the government's focus on agriculture as a vital component of the economy.