Agriculture, exports, and investments took center stage in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA), where he cited rising food production, stronger export performance and record investment commitments as signs of the country's improving economic competitiveness.

“The system of agriculture is being strengthened to guarantee our food supply and bring down prices for everyone,” Marcos said, pointing to higher production, wider mechanization, and stronger support for farmers and fisherfolk.

Agricultural outputs lifted

The President said government programs providing capital, farm inputs, equipment, training, and insurance have helped lift agricultural output since 2023. He noted that production of rice, corn, sugar, pork and poultry has continued to increase as cropping intensity improves alongside expanded irrigation systems and modern farming equipment.

He added that farmers are also benefiting from greater access to technology and post-harvest facilities, including 145 rice processing systems, three large cold storage facilities, and nearly 40,000 farm machines deployed nationwide.

Nationwide coconut tree planting

The administration is expanding the coconut industry through a nationwide planting campaign. Marcos said about 18 million coconut trees have already been planted, with the government aiming to reach 100 million trees before the end of his term to secure the industry's long-term future.

On food security, the President highlighted the expanded role of the National Food Authority, which now purchases more palay at better prices while maintaining larger rice buffer stocks.

He also cited broader agricultural insurance coverage, which now includes crops, livestock, fisheries, farm equipment, agricultural vehicles, and life insurance for farmers and fisherfolk. Over the past four years, insurance payouts have reached P19 billion.

Marcos also reported significant progress in agrarian reform, saying more than 400,000 land titles covering over 500,000 hectares have been distributed over the past four years. He vowed to complete land title distribution next year and finish canceling the debts of agrarian reform beneficiaries within 2026.

Export competitiveness

The President also pointed to continued improvements in the country's trade performance.

“We have maintained export competitiveness for our indigenous farm products, such as ube, coconut, bananas, and other tropical fruits. Now, we have ventured into new and viable ones, like enoki mushrooms,” he said.

Marcos said foreign investments continue to flow into the Philippines because of policies promoting ease of doing business and digital transformation.

“Over the past three years, more than six trillion pesos in investments have been facilitated through our Green Lanes. These are estimated to create over 400,000 jobs for our fellow Filipinos,” he said.

Positioning for higher-value industries

He added that the government is positioning the country for higher-value industries, including pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, luxury goods, technology, logistics and the halal sector, while expanding economic zones beyond Metro Manila.

To help ease the burden of high food prices, Marcos said the government has distributed more than 26,000 metric tons of rice to over 2.5 million families and plans to expand the program to reach eight million households.

He added that the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program has already benefited more than 12 million Filipinos, while over 800 KADIWA outlets nationwide continue to connect consumers directly with farmers and fisherfolk, helping lower food prices while creating better market opportunities for producers.