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Corruption in the Philippines: Its Deep Impact on Agriculture

Corruption in the Philippines: Its Deep Impact on Agriculture Corruption has long been a pressing issue in the Philippines, affecting various sectors of society and the economy. Among the industries hit hardest is agriculture —a vital sector that supports millions of Filipino farmers and provides food security for the entire nation. Despite significant government programs and funding allocations, the sector continues to struggle due to systemic mismanagement, patronage politics, and lack of accountability. In this blog, we’ll explore how corruption impacts agriculture in the Philippines , why farmers remain poor despite billions in agricultural budgets, and what reforms are needed to create lasting change. The State of Philippine Agriculture Agriculture contributes about 9–10% of the country’s GDP and employs more than 20% of the labor force , according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Yet, the sector lags behind its neighbors in productivity and modernization. Farme...
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The Hidden Cost of Poor Infrastructure: How It Undermines Philippine Agriculture

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Philippine economy, employing about 23% of the labor force. Yet, despite the sector’s importance, farmers continue to face systemic challenges—chief among them, inadequate infrastructure. From poor roads to insufficient irrigation, these gaps severely limit productivity, profitability, and resilience. 🚧 Infrastructure Gaps: A Barrier to Productivity One of the most pressing issues is the lack of farm-to-market roads. Without reliable transportation, farmers struggle to move their produce efficiently, leading to spoilage, higher costs, and reduced income. In Zamboanga Sibugay, for instance, the development of farm-to-market roads has been a strategic intervention to address these challenges by improving connectivity, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting rural development . Irrigation is another critical concern. Only a fraction of arable land is irrigated, making farmers vulnerable to erratic rainfall and droughts. Modernizi...
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From OFW to Successful Aquapreneur: How a Bilar Fish Farmer Found Success in Ulang and Tilapia Farming

In the heart of Bilar, Bohol, a remarkable transformation is taking place — a former overseas worker, now a thriving fish farmer, is showing how innovation, training, and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Recently, Ms. Dalagan , a beneficiary of the Aquabiz School-Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) project, successfully completed her second production cycle, harvesting 50.75 kilos of giant freshwater prawn (ulang) and a staggering 938.25 kilos of tilapia . Her aquaculture venture, set on two ponds totaling 1,400 square meters , flourished over just four months , using advanced techniques and a complete Package of Technology (POT) developed for tilapia-ulang polyculture. Cultivating Success with Technology The farming journey wasn’t just about placing fingerlings in water — it was science-backed and technology-driven. Key performance results included: Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): 7.29 for ulang, 0.87 for tilapia Survival Rates: 41.23% for ulang, 46.91% for tila...
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Struggles of Filipino Onion Farmers: How Imported Onions Affect Local Farming

 In the heart of the Philippine countryside, where the earth is rich and the sun generously beams its light, thousands of Filipino farmers rise with hope each morning. For many, onion farming is not just a livelihood — it’s a heritage, a life’s work cultivated through generations. But today, that heritage is under siege, not by nature, but by the tides of imported goods. The Life of an Onion Farmer Growing onions in the Philippines, especially in provinces like Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Norte, and Mindoro, is a labor of love. From planting delicate seeds to painstakingly nurturing crops through unpredictable weather, Filipino farmers invest months of sweat, care, and patience. Harvest time, typically from December to April, should be a season of reward. However, the reality for many farmers is far from prosperous. Production costs — fertilizers, irrigation, pesticides, and labor — have soared. Meanwhile, prices they receive for their onions often barely cover these costs, leaving farm...
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P20 Rice Now a Reality: DA Launches Affordable Rice Program through KADIWA Centers

In a major step toward food security and economic relief, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the launch of the P20 Rice Project under the KADIWA ng Pangulo program. Beginning May 2, 2025 , indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities will be able to purchase high-quality rice at just Php 20.00 per kilogram through KADIWA centers across the country. Making Affordable Rice Accessible Through this initiative, eligible beneficiaries can buy up to 30 kilos of rice per month at the highly subsidized rate. The rice supply will be procured by Food Terminal Inc. from the National Food Authority (NFA), ensuring quality and sufficient volume for the program. For the pilot run, participating local government units (LGUs) sharing the subsidy will have the option to extend the affordable rice program to all households in their community , regardless of economic status. Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that the P20 Rice Project complements the ...
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The Beauty and Productivity of Philippine Rice Terraces

Nestled in the mountainous regions of Northern Luzon, the rice terraces stand as both cultural heritage and vital agricultural systems. Built by hand and maintained for generations, these terraces showcase Filipino ingenuity and the deep bond between people and nature. Why the Rice Terraces Matter Cultural Significance: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the terraces are a symbol of ancient indigenous knowledge passed down for over 2,000 years. Sustainability: Terraced farming helps prevent soil erosion, controls water runoff, and maintains biodiversity in upland ecosystems. Food Security: These terraces support local rice production in regions where flat land is scarce. Challenges in Upland Agriculture Limited Mechanization: The terraces’ steep terrain makes it difficult to use modern farming machinery. Climate Vulnerability: Typhoons and landslides frequently damage infrastructure and crops. Youth Migration: Many young people leave farming communities, leading to fewer han...
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Top Trends in Philippine Agriculture: Innovations, Sustainability, and Growth in 2024

As of 2024, Philippine agriculture is undergoing significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, sustainability efforts, and evolving market demands. Here are some of the most prominent trends shaping the sector: 🌿 1. Sustainable and Organic Farming There’s a growing emphasis on sustainable and organic farming practices in the Philippines. Farmers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly methods such as organic fertilization, crop rotation, and water conservation techniques to enhance soil health and reduce environmental impact.  📱 2. AgriTech Innovations Technological advancements are revolutionizing Philippine agriculture. The integration of drones for crop monitoring, automated irrigation systems, and precision farming tools is helping farmers increase efficiency and yields.  🌆 3. Urban and Vertical Farming With rapid urbanization, urban and vertical farming are gaining traction in the Philippines. These methods allow for year-round food production in li...
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