On May 23, 2024, the Foundation for Economic Freedom convened for its monthly Fellows Meeting at the Manila Golf and Country Club. Department of Agriculture (DA)’s Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Atty. Asis G. Perez discussed the DA’s plans under the Marcos Administration. Speaking on behalf of Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Usec Perez presented his talk centering on boosting agricultural productivity, improving agricultural value chains, and attracting agricultural investments as the main strategies of the department.
Usec Perez first introduced Secretary Laurel’s background and familiarity with all the aspects of the agricultural value chain. According to Usec Perez Secretary Laurel’s private sector experience would contribute to the DA’s novel approach to modernizing Philippine agriculture.
As a backgrounder, Usec Perez shared statistics on the present state of Philippine agriculture. He cited that 20% of Filipinos work in the agricultural sector and the relatively small contribution of agriculture to the Philippine economy. He further explained why the DA requested ₱513.8 billion and how it will be used to implement its modernization program.
Usec Perez explained that the ₱513.8 billion DA budget was necessary to address the lack of infrastructure investments and the lack of allotted budget of the Philippine government for agriculture compared to more productive ASEAN neighbors. He also emphasized that roughly ₱1 trillion is needed to improve productivity through irrigation infrastructure and that ₱93 billion is required to reduce post-harvest losses in rice and corn.
Showcasing the DA’s initiatives and goals, Usec Perez presented the ‘Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas 2024-2027’ framework. He shared that the framework envisions Philippine agriculture as a productive and profitable enterprise—with earnings for the rural workforce comparable to white-collar jobs. In the framework, productivity is conceived as the overall food sufficiency of affordable and nutritious food for the Philippines. He further explained that their vision of food sufficiency could cater to the consumption needs of Filipino consumers and foreigners like tourists.
Among the framework’s key focus points is to expand and improve available agrifishery areas to improve productivity. To complement this, the DA aims to boost agricultural production by adopting mechanized production tools and modern post-harvest systems. Additionally, Usec Perez explained the need to establish resilient transport networks for agricultural inputs and production outputs by reducing logistics costs and similar barriers limiting the flow of goods. He also showed plans to improve and expand local and international agricultural market access by intensifying product promotions to outside markets and encouraging producers to increase the quantity and quality of agricultural goods.
With regard to policymaking, Usec Perez highlighted the DA’s aim to balance its regulatory and developmental roles. Further, he pointed out the DA’s efforts to create digitized and information-driven platforms to formulate sound policy directions. To enhance participation among all players in the agricultural value chain, Usec Perez also presented how the DA created partnerships with its stakeholders in the policymaking process.
Lastly, Usec Perez showed the DA’s progress in creating financial mechanisms for agricultural stakeholders to encourage investments and improve overall productivity. To conclude his talk, Usec Perez stressed the need to understand the foundational role of agricultural producers in the Philippines. To appreciate these roles, he shared that the DA is taking new approaches to successfully implement its plans to create a modernized and productive Philippine agricultural sector.
Attended by FEF Fellows, thought-leaders, decision-makers, and members of the business community, the Fellows Meeting is a monthly meeting held by FEF to discuss prevalent economic issues in the country.
By: Jamil Creado, Assistant Communications Officer, FEF
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