Improved weather and stronger government support are fueling optimism for a stronger second-quarter performance of the country’s agriculture sector, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

“Given the latest production forecasts from the Philippine Statistics Authority, we’re hopeful this quarter will build on the momentum we saw at the start of the year,” Tiu Laurel said on Sunday. “But we must not let our guard down. We are doubling down on efforts to increase food production while boosting farmer incomes.”

The agriculture sector grew 2.2 percent in the first quarter, recovering from just 0.5 percent in the same period last year due to El Niño.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), rice and corn output are expected to post strong gains in the second quarter. 

Palay production is projected to reach 4.36 million metric tons (MT), up 13 percent year on year and slightly higher than the April estimate of 4.34 million MT. The increase is due to larger harvest areas — up 9.2 percent to 972,730 hectares — and better yields of 4.48 MT per hectare from 4.32 MT in 2024.

The rise in rice output is being supported by good weather, the National Rice Program, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, and stronger procurement by the National Food Authority, which buys palay at P18 to P24 per kilo.

Corn production is expected to increase even more. As of 1 May, PSA estimated output at 1.487 million MT, up 27 percent from last year, with the harvest area expanding 16 percent to 402,690 hectares.

Rice and corn are the biggest contributors to crop output, which makes up about 57 percent of total agricultural production.

“These numbers are encouraging, but this is just the beginning. With sustained funding support for rice programs, we remain fully committed to achieving food security by end-2028, in line with the President's vision,” Tiu Laurel said.