Farm output hits P1.77T; strongest in 5 years

Philippine agricultural output rose 2.6 percent to P1.77 trillion in 2025, the fastest growth in five years, supporting food supply and rural incomes despite weather disruptions late in the year.

In a report on Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture said crop production, which accounts for 56 percent of total output, slipped 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter to P274.3 billion due to weather disturbances, but still grew 2.8 percent for the full year to P986.8 billion.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government is shifting toward long-term resilience. 

“We’re now laying the groundwork for a smarter, climate-resilient agriculture,” he said, citing investments in storage, processing, and smart irrigation to stabilize supply and food prices.

Livestock output rose 1 percent in the fourth quarter to P68.4 billion but fell 2.3 percent for the year to P246.4 billion. The hog subsector grew 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter, its first expansion since the ASF outbreak.

Poultry was the top performer, with output rising 8.9 percent in the fourth quarter to P78.2 billion and 9.1 percent for the year to P304.7 billion, now accounting for about 16 percent of total production.

Fisheries grew 4 percent in the fourth quarter to P66.1 billion but ended the year slightly lower at P233.7 billion, down 0.3 percent.