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Articles by Tiu Laurel
Philippine fibers take center stage at FAO’s global sustainable fashion challenge
ROME, Italy — Philippine pineapple and abaca fibers took the global spotlight at AgriThreads: From Farm to Sustainable Fashion Innovation Challenge, a featured session of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) World Food Forum (WFF) 2026 flagship event. The showcase highlights the potential of the Philippines’ agricultural resources to shape the future of sustainable fashion and open new opportunities for local producers.
DA to probe smuggling of carrots, broccoli
MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture’s Inspectorate and Enforcement office (DA-IE) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to investigate the alleged smuggling of carrots, broccoli and other highland vegetables, citing concerns over unfair competition hurting farmers, particularly in the Cordillera.
When Manny meets Kiko: Pacquiao, DA chief join forces to fight poverty
National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary and Lead Convenor Manny Pacquiao is joining forces with Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to strengthen government efforts to alleviate poverty, particularly among farmers and fisherfolk, who remain among the country’s most economically vulnerable sectors.
DA ordered BPI to cancel permit for controversial rice import
The Department of Agriculture (DA), on the instructions of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., ordered the cancellation of the import permit for rice aboard MV Tay Son 2 several days before the vessel reached Philippine shores, after receiving “derogatory” information about the shipment, which later attempted to leave the Port of Davao.
DA brings P40.95M agricultural support to Nasugbu
NASUGBU, Batangas (October 9, 2026) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday brought nearly P41 million in agricultural support to farmers in this coastal town of Batangas, combining production assistance with a major investment in solar-powered irrigation infrastructure.
DA chief pushes ASEAN Integration, highlights “Big Brother” mentorship to empower farmers
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the critical need for regional cooperation and enhanced market linkages to secure food supplies across Southeast Asia. Tiu Laurel said the regional cooperation is more important now given the climate and geopolitical challenges that adversely impact agriculture and food production.
DA sees slower farm output as El Niño risk rises
The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects farm output to slow in the second half of the year as the Southwest Monsoon and a possible strong El Niño threaten production. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the impact may be less severe than earlier feared because the peak of the dry spell is now expected in January, rather than November. “So far, so good naman tayo. No need to panic. We have enough food supply. Prices are actually stable,” Tiu Laurel said.
Bronze in the bowl: Philippine rice earns global recognition
Rice may be a staple on the Filipino table, but earning a place among the world’s finest grains is no small feat. After all, being a national obsession does not automatically make rice world-class. At the 2026 International World Rice Conference in Makati City, the Philippines took home bronze, proving that local rice can hold its own in an increasingly competitive global market—even if it rarely gets the limelight.
Chinese teacher recall sparks debate, concern
RETIRED US Air Force Col. Ray Powell, director of maritime security initiative SeaLight, said that China has used travel and education warnings to pressure governments in diplomatic disputes. This comes as about 150 Chinese volunteer teachers were abruptly recalled from Philippine schools following security concerns and heightened scrutiny surrounding state-sponsored Chinese influence operations in the country.
KADIWA Expo targets bigger markets, higher farmer incomes
PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding market opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk through the 3rd KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) Expo on October 8–10 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Philippines, France deepen agricultural cooperation
PARIS, France—The Philippines and France moved to deepen agricultural ties, with both sides advancing cooperation on farm trade, research, food safety, animal health and climate-resilient agriculture during high-level meetings in Paris on September 23–24, 2026. A major outcome was the signing of the Work Plan for the Importation of Table and Seed Potatoes from France, opening a new avenue for agricultural trade while strengthening cooperation on plant health.
DA, DALI eye farm-to-market partnership to boost farmer incomes
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and DALI Everyday Grocery are exploring a partnership that could give Filipino farmers a direct and expanding market for their produce while opening greater opportunities for contract growing, following a recent meeting between Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and DALI board director Thirdie Icasas.
Government targets 1,000-hectare ube expansion for exports
The Department of Agriculture is seeking Php 300 million for the initial expansion of ube production, a move expected to at least double output as the Philippines seeks to meet growing global demand for the purple tuber. The funding will double the area currently planted to ube, and is the initial stage of a broader plan to add 1,000 hectares in the first year.
DA chief urges Pagsibol summit to deliver workable solutions for food security
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday urged horticulture and urban agriculture stakeholders to turn promising ideas into workable solutions that can sustain food production, create livelihoods, and help build a more food-secure Philippines.
DA moves to curb food prices after September surge
*The Department of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to tame food prices after September inflation surged due to weather-related supply disruptions and higher logistics costs, aggravated by rising oil prices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government is preparing for climate-related supply disruptions by ensuring that food stocks, production support, and market interventions are in place when they are needed.
DA braces for intensified El Niño
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up preparations for an anticipated super-strong El Niño, drawing on lessons from the last drought to protect farm production, secure food supplies, and cushion farmers and fisherfolk from its impact. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P.
DA-NMIS, NBI seize P5.19M undocumented meat in Pasay
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and its Inspection and Enforcement unit, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), confiscated approximately 11.5 metric tons of undocumented imported meat products in Pasay City, valued around P5.19 million. The joint operation was conducted on September 22–23 at a property along C.A. Lucban Street, following NBI surveillance and verification by NMIS.
DA to boost food stocks amid ‘super El Niño’
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is stocking up on food and farm inputs, expanding storage capacity, and deploying targeted interventions in areas expected to be hardest hit by the “super El Niño.” The agency is ramping up preparations for an anticipated very strong El Niño, drawing on lessons from the last drought to protect farm production, secure food supplies and cushion farmers and fisherfolk from its impact.
NFA expands storage to boost palay buying, rice program
The National Food Authority (NFA) is expanding its warehouse capacity in Tarlac to enable the state grains agency to buy more palay from local farmers and strengthen the government’s rice supply program. The NFA is leasing 1,782 square meters of warehouse space from SL Agritech Corp. in Barangay Masalasa, Victoria, Tarlac, adding storage capacity for approximately 100,000 bags of palay. The facility is targeted for occupancy beginning October 1. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P.
Government steps up response as sugar industry faces pests, market pressure
The government is coordinating its response to mounting pressures on the Philippine sugar industry, while industry groups seek legislative changes to protect demand for locally produced cane sugar. The sector is dealing with a red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation, drought risks, rising production costs, and growing competition from artificial sweeteners.
DA extends P14M livelihood boost to Sorsogon coastal communities
SORSOGON (October 2, 2026) — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has provided more than P14 million in fisheries and aquaculture assistance to coastal communities in Sorsogon, including fish cages, fiberglass boats and seaweed-processing equipment.
DA rolls out post-harvest investments, interventions in Camarines Norte
VINZONS, Camarines Norte (September 28, 2026)—The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday rolled out P64 million worth of farm support and post-harvest investments in Camarines Norte, targeting bottlenecks in production, storage, processing and mechanization. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led the turnover of the interventions in Vinzons and Labo, alongside the DA Regional Field Office 5 and the provincial government headed by Gov. Ricarte “Dong” Padilla.
DA, hog industry eye pork tariff hike to boost pork prices
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. met with hog industry leaders Thursday to tackle plunging farmgate prices, with the restoration of pork tariffs emerging as the sector’s main prescription for curbing imports and giving local raisers room to recover. Tiu Laurel told industry representatives that he had already discussed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the proposed return of pork tariffs to pre-African Swine Fever levels as imports rise alongside recovering local hog production.
Philippine durian, mangosteen make fresh push into Canada
Nearly one metric ton of fresh durian and mangosteen are heading to Canada, opening another potential market for the Philippines’ tropical fruits as the government steps up efforts to grow farm exports and chip away at a stubborn agricultural trade deficit.
DA warns contractors over PRDP ‘connections’ claims
Contractors could face financial and legal exposure from individuals offering to secure Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) contracts through supposed connections inside the Department of Agriculture (DA), prompting the agency to warn bidders against paying for access or guaranteed projects. The DA said it received reports of individuals invoking alleged ties to DA officials or employees to create the impression that they could influence procurement or secure preferential treatment.
Philippine makes maiden commercial shipment of carabao mangoes make to Canada
The Philippines has made its first commercial shipment of fresh Carabao mangoes to Canada, sending 1 metric ton to Vancouver as the country seeks new overseas markets for higher-value agricultural products and new income opportunities for farmers. The shipment, comprising 250 cartons, was sent off Sept. 18 at the NAIA Complex in Parañaque City through a partnership between Mensch FilAm Corp.
DA pitches agribusiness to OFWs eyeing homecoming
SEOUL, South Korea— The Department of Agriculture (DA) is positioning agribusiness as a potential investment and livelihood option for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) preparing to return home, while exposing them to modern farming technologies that could be applied to Philippine enterprises. Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), the DA held an Usapang Agribiz forum during the Alagang OWWA Serbisyo Caravan at Marronnier Park in Seoul on Sept.
PCIC pays P104 million to storm-hit farmers, fisherfolk
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has paid out P104.1 million in insurance claims to 10,596 farmers and fisherfolk affected by the intensified Southwest Monsoon and three tropical cyclones, as the government moves to help producers recover quickly and resume agricultural activity. The payments cover eight regions hit by successive weather disturbances from Aug. 1 to Sept. 13, including Typhoons Luis, Maymay, Neneng and Pilandok, as well as Habagat. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P.
DA backs industry P210 hog floor price proposal
The Department of Agriculture is backing a proposed P210-per-kilo floor price for live hogs as farmgate prices plunge to P120 to P160 in some areas, but Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government has no legal authority to impose such a floor price for now. Tiu Laurel stressed that the P210 figure came from the hog industry, not the DA, although the department supports the proposal as producers struggle with depressed farmgate prices.
DA opens P74.4M rice processing facility in Cabanatuan
CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija (September 17, 2026)—The Department of Agriculture on Thursday inaugurated a P74.4-million rice processing facility in the country’s main rice-producing province, giving 4,060 farmers in Cabanatuan access to modern drying and milling equipment aimed at reducing postharvest losses and improving farm incomes.
DA speeds flood loans to restore farm production
The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) is moving to quickly put recovery financing in the hands of farmers hit by recent floods, starting with P1.75 million in calamity loans in Pampanga on Monday. The AGRI-RECOVER Program will initially provide P35,000 each to 50 affected farmers during its Sept. 14 launch in Angeles City. About 200 farmers are expected to attend the launch, which will also include program orientation and financial literacy sessions.
DA – PhilRice honors Alex Eala with a rice-field tribute in Nueva Ecija
Alex Eala has conquered tennis courts around the world. Now, she has made her mark on a rice field. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) paid tribute to the 21-year-old Filipino tennis trailblazer with a giant rice-paddy artwork at its campus in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. And because this is PhilRice, a billboard simply would not do.
DA, PhilSA harness space technology to boost food security
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) are turning to satellites and artificial intelligence to help the government spot farm damage faster, improve irrigation planning, and protect food production from floods, droughts and other climate risks. The agencies formalized a five-year collaboration to use Earth observation, geospatial information and space-based technology for agriculture, fisheries, disaster response, and climate-resilient planning.
DA rolls out P4.3 B assistance for 542,000 beneficiaries
The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed about P4.3 billion worth of assistance and services to 542,000 beneficiaries in 269 local government units under the government’s Handog ng Pangulo program. The nationwide rollout includes support for rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and fisheries, as well as assistance delivered through KADIWA ng Pangulo and the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo program.
DA, DPWH seal P71.5M Tarlac farm-to-market road deal
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are moving P71.52 million worth of farm-to-market road projects in Concepcion, Tarlac to the bidding stage, strengthening transport links between farming communities and markets. The two agencies signed on Thursday, September 10, a memorandum of agreement covering four projects with a combined length of 5.43 kilometers under the 2026 Farm-to-Market Road Development Program.
DA indefinitely suspends raw ube exports to secure planting materials
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has indefinitely suspended exports of fresh purple yam, or ube, to shore up scarce planting material as the Philippines seeks to expand domestic production and turn the crop into a bigger export earner. The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) imposed the suspension in mid-August, covering fresh ube and propagative planting materials whether shipments are intended for consumption, planting, or research. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P.
Philippine agri-startups court Taiwan markets and investment
TAIPEI CITY — Ten Philippine agri-startups and micro-agripreneurs are pitching their products and technologies to Taiwanese and international buyers, investors, and potential partners at Taiwan Smart Agriweek 2026, seeking market access, investment, technology partnerships, and opportunities to scale.
Tiu Laurel flags food security risks, urges ASEAN-India cooperation
NEW DELHI, India (September 9, 2026)—Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. is calling for stronger ASEAN-India cooperation as geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and volatile energy and farm input costs threaten to disrupt food supplies across the region. Tiu Laurel made the call on Wednesday, Sept.
DA pushes palm oil production to slash imports
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for a major expansion of the country’s palm oil industry to reduce heavy import dependence and eventually provide a local feedstock for cleaner fuels. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. told a House of Representatives budget hearing that the government needs to provide substantially more funding to develop palm oil production, citing the country’s reliance on imports for nearly 90 percent of its requirements.
DA: ASF fear caused pork price drop
MANILA, Philippines — Fears of another African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, not over-importation, drove pork prices lower, the Department of Agriculture clarified yesterday. Price drops were a result of hog raisers selling their animals earlier than planned when the rainy season approached, increasing market supply, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
DA chief says ASF fears drive pork prices lower, deny over importation
Pork prices fell as hog raisers rushed to sell animals ahead of the rainy season, fearing that another outbreak of African swine fever could hit their farms, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said. The decline comes after high pork prices last year encouraged raisers to expand production, bringing more hogs to market this year.
DA eyes massive Candaba waterway to tame flooding
The Department of Agriculture is looking at a major infrastructure project that could turn Pampanga’s flood-prone Candaba Swamp into a vast water storage, irrigation, and agricultural transport network, with canals potentially stretching 100 meters wide and reaching 7 meters deep. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P.
Marcos backs P20 rice program through term
The government has funding in place to sustain President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s P20-per-kilo rice program through the end of his term, with most of the additional funds released by the president still unused, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said. Known as Benteng Bigas Meron Na!, the program is providing relief to vulnerable consumers and is expected to reach as many as 60 million Filipinos through June 2028.
EDITORIAL — Rice at P20/kilo
Even when the campaign vow was made for the 2022 presidential race, doubts were already raised about the attainability of selling rice at a market price of P20 a kilo. At the time, Russia had not yet invaded Ukraine and global prices and supply of chemical fertilizer were still stable. The war in Iran had not yet started, and the peso had not been plumbing historic lows every trading day.
President Marcos wants subsidized P20/kilo rice sustained
MANILA, Philippines — The government has funding in place to sustain President Marcos’ P20-per-kilo subsidized rice program until the end of his term, with most of the additional funds released still unused, agriculture chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said yesterday. Known as “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!,” the program is providing relief to vulnerable consumers and is expected to reach as many as 60 million Filipinos through June 2028.
PCIC sets aside P187M for insurance payouts after typhoons
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. has set aside P187 million for payments to insured farmers affected by flooding and other damage from three typhoons and the enhanced southwest monsoon, providing a financial cushion as extreme weather takes a growing toll on agriculture. The payments cover losses reported from Aug. 1 to Aug. 26 across eight regions, mostly in Luzon, and will benefit 24,987 farmers.
ACPC STREAMLINES EMERGENCY speeds zero-interest loans for flood affected farmers and fishers
The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) is simplifying access to emergency financing for farmers and fisherfolk hit by recent flooding, offering zero-interest, collateral-free loans that could be credited on the day of approval. Through the Calamity Loan Component of its AGRI-RECOVER Program, qualified small farmers and fisherfolk registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) may borrow up to P35,000, payable over as long as three years.
DA: P20/kilo rice market price now out of reach
MANILA, Philippines — The P20-per-kilo market price for rice promised by President Marcos during his 2022 campaign is now out of reach as rising fertilizer, transport and fuel costs continue to drive up rice production expenses, according to the Department of Agriculture. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Thursday that government subsidies would be needed to make rice at P20 a kilo available.
Food prices keep inflation elevated despite August easing
Philippine inflation eased in August, but food prices remained a major source of pressure for households, underscoring the Department of Agriculture’s role in keeping supplies moving as weather disruptions threaten to create new bottlenecks. Headline inflation slowed to 6.1 percent in August from 6.2 percent in July, with food and non-alcoholic beverages contributing 1.8 percentage points to the overall rate.
DA studies China smart farms to modernize agriculture
The Department of Agriculture is studying China’s smart farming technologies as the Philippines looks for ways to modernize production, improve farm productivity, and leapfrog technological gaps. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led a Philippine delegation on Aug. 24 to Zhejiang Huihong Fruit and Vegetable Farm in Zhejiang province, where officials examined digital systems used to monitor crops and manage farm operations.
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