Philippine Farm Sector Grows 2.9% in Q2, Fisheries Contribute; El Niño Preparedness Bolstered

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s agricultural output grew by 2.9 percent in the second quarter, a rebound from the previous quarter's contraction, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The value of production in agriculture and fisheries reached P452.22 billion in April to June, up from P439.66 billion in the same period last year. This marks a recovery from the 0.3 percent contraction in the first quarter, though the growth pace is slower than the six percent expansion seen in the same period of 2025. As of the first half of 2026, agricultural output amounted to P889.68 billion, a 1.3-percent increase from P878.31 billion the previous year. Crop production saw a 1.6 percent expansion during the second quarter, reaching P248.9 billion and accounting for 55 percent of total agricultural output. Notably, palay (unhusked rice) output rose by 5.7 percent, hitting a record-high 4.63 million metric tons. Corn production, however, saw a slower growth of 0.8 percent. Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attributed the improved planting intentions of farmers to higher farmgate prices driven by the suspension of rice importation from September to December last year. However, Raul Montemayor, national manager of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), expressed concern over the inconsistent growth patterns in the agricultural sector, particularly for palay production. "There is no consistent growth pattern despite the billions being poured into the sector," he told The STAR. The poultry sector expanded by 6.3 percent to P79.84 billion, contributing 17.7 percent to agricultural output. Growth was driven by a 13.2 percent increase in the value of chicken egg production and a 4.1 percent rise in chicken production. The livestock sector grew by 3.6 percent to P61.83 billion, with local hog production expanding by 5.6 percent and dairy output by 37.8 percent, contributing 13.7 percent to the agricultural sector. Marie Annette Galvez-Dacul, executive director of the University of Asia and the Pacific’s Center for Food and Agri Business, stated that the growth in the poultry and livestock sectors was primarily due to steady consumer demand and better production conditions. The fisheries sector grew by 2.7 percent to P61.64 billion, accounting for 13.6 percent of the total agricultural output. Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that the broad gains in agricultural output would strengthen the sector ahead of the anticipated impact of El Niño later this year. "These gains also give us a stronger buffer against the production slowdown we expect from El Niño in the fourth quarter," he said. He emphasized the department's commitment to equipping farmers to overcome weather challenges through irrigation, mechanization, climate-smart technologies, quality seeds, modern post-harvest facilities, and better market access. However, former agriculture undersecretary Fermin Adriano cautioned that while the second quarter benefited from generally good weather, the remaining months of 2026 would face the brunt of El Niño's effects, compounded by higher fertilizer and fuel prices. The state weather bureau PAGASA forecasts a very strong El Niño episode from October to December, potentially lasting until early 2027. Source: Philstar Business