DA seeking ₱3.5 T in agri investments

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking 3.5 trillion in total investments—including support from the private sector—to transform the country's agriculture sector into a more robust, economically viable contributor to national food and economic security.

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During the launch of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Monitor: Philippines (2025) report at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters on Friday, Aug. 15, Agriculture Undersecretary for policy, planning, and regulations Asis G. Perez presented the DA’s strategic action plan and PPP initiatives for the agriculture sector.

The investment requirements were divided into key categories: P1.8 trillion for the product support system; P816.2 billion for infrastructure and logistics; P805.8 billion for the commodity sector; P85.5 billion for innovation system enablers; and P6.3 billion for a sustainable and alternative agriculture system.

"We want to transform the agriculture sector into a robust, vibrant, and economically viable contributor to the food and economic security of this nation of [up to] 118 million people," said Perez.

He emphasized the need to develop and improve post-harvest infrastructure, noting that while the country has land and water, these resources must be supported by adequate systems.

Perez pointed out that post-harvest losses range between 12 percent and 40 percent by volume, depending on the commodity. More concerning, he said, are the losses in terms of value.