PH agri output ekes out modest gain

The country’s agriculture and fisheries output grew by 2.6 percent last year, exceeding the government’s projection as gains in crops and poultry offset a weak performance in the fourth quarter.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

DRIVING REGIONAL GROWTH Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque (right) and ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines Chair Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III (left) discuss strategic initiatives to link employment and entrepreneurship. The meeting focused on MSME upskilling and regional market access as the country prepares for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released on Wednesday, Jan. 28, showed that the value of agriculture and fisheries production, at constant 2018 prices, reached P1.77 trillion last year.

This marked a reversal from the 2.1-percent contraction recorded in 2024, when output totaled P1.73 trillion, as the sector was battered by extreme weather disturbances.

Growth last year was faster than the government's initial estimate of one to two percent, largely due to strong performance in the first three quarters.