Low palay, corn production likely in 3Q -- PSA

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) projects a decline in the estimated production of palay (unhusked rice) and corn for the third quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Based on the standing crop as of August 2026, PSA estimates palay production for July to September 2026 to fall to 3.19 million metric tons, a 15% decrease from the actual output of 3.75 million metric tons in the same period of 2025. The harvest area for this period is also projected to shrink by 15.8% to 771,790 hectares. Farmers had planted 892,320 hectares, or 56.4%, of the 1.58 million hectares targeted for the July to September 2026 season. Corn production in the third quarter is projected to drop 14.4% year-on-year to 2.08 million metric tons from 2.43 million metric tons in the same period last year. The corn harvest area for July to September 2026 is projected to decline by 12.8% year-on-year to 688,030 hectares from 789,240 hectares in 2025. Of the 798,370 hectares of standing corn recorded as of August 2026, 39.2% was in the reproductive stage, 31.2% was maturing, and 29.6% remained in the vegetative stage. Corn farmers had planted 240,280 hectares, or 38%, of the 632,420 hectares targeted for corn production during the July to September 2026 season. The decrease in production is attributed to the impact of four tropical cyclones that hit the agricultural sector from July to early September. A final assessment by the Department of Agriculture showed that rice accounted for the biggest share of total agricultural damage and losses at P2.05 billion, while corn incurred P127.60 million in losses. Rice is a staple food in the Philippines and is crucial for food security. Corn is also widely used for animal feed and in some food products. A decline in the production of these key agricultural commodities could affect the country's food supply, potentially leading to increased import dependency and reduced incomes in rural areas. The government is urged to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector through adaptation measures for climate change, infrastructure development for crop protection, and expansion of insurance schemes.