PH agri output grows 2.9% in Q2 2026

The Philippines’ agriculture and fisheries sector sustained its recovery in the second quarter of 2026, data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Thursday. The agriculture and fisheries sector’s total value of production in the April to June period stood at P452.22 billion, up 2.9% year-on-year. “This expansion was driven by gains across crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries,” the PSA said. In particular, total crop production amounted to P248.90 billion, up 1.6% from a year ago, with palay and corn recording growth rates of 5.7% and 0.8%, respectively. Crops accounted for 55% of the total value of production in agriculture and fisheries sector. Livestock production, meanwhile, was valued at P61.83 billion, up 3.6% year-on-year, and accounting for 13.7% of the sector’s total output. Poultry’s value likewise grew to P79.84 billion, up 6.3% year-on-year, with a total share to the sector’s total at 17.7%. Fisheries production was estimated at P61.64 billion, up 2.7%, and accounting for 13.6% of the sector’s total value. In a separate statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, “This strong second-quarter performance shows the Marcos administration's farm modernization agenda is delivering results where they matter most, on our farms and in rural communities.” “Higher productivity is translating into better incomes for farmers and fisherfolk while strengthening a sector that provides livelihoods to nearly four in 10 Filipinos and powers growth across the countryside. These gains also give us a stronger buffer against the production slowdown we expect from El Niño in the fourth quarter. We cannot control the weather, but we can equip our farmers to overcome it through irrigation, mechanization, climate-smart technologies, quality seeds, modern post-harvest facilities, and better market access," added Tiu Laurel. The Agriculture chief said the DA is targeting to open new export markets and expand overseas shipments of Philippine farm products to become an increasingly important driver of the sector's growth in the coming quarters. Tiu Laurel further said the “broad-based expansion” suggests the farm sector is becoming more resilient, with growth no longer dependent on a single commodity, with diversification becoming increasingly important as climate change, animal diseases, and volatile global commodity markets continue to test agricultural production. “Sustaining the momentum will require continued investments in modernization and climate resilience. Beyond strengthening food security, a more productive agriculture sector can help temper food inflation, raise rural incomes, and generate more inclusive economic growth in regions where farming remains the backbone of local economies,” he said. — BM, GMA News