Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered a nationwide ground survey of farmer beneficiaries as the Department of Agriculture (DA) escalates its investigation into alleged substandard seeds, questionable fertilizer grades, and unreliable farm machinery distributed under government programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel emphasized in a statement on Thursday that reports concerning the delivery of substandard seeds, questionable fertilizer grades, and unreliable farm machinery are being 'taken seriously,' despite regular audits not identifying any irregularities across programs. The on-the-ground survey aims to gather substantial information on the actual scenario for program implementation, intending to 'replace anecdotes with verifiable data.'

The survey will be conducted region-by-region among recipients of machinery, post-harvest facilities, seeds, and fertilizers distributed by the DA and its attached agencies. Tiu Laurel stated, 'We want to hear from the actual beneficiaries,' and pointed out that any problems with after-sales service or equipment defects would be revealed through the survey.

Tiu Laurel assured that the DA would address any lapses, if found. He stated, 'We are not sweeping anything under the rug. If there are shortcomings or wrongdoings, we will address them.' He also warned that suppliers with poor services or contract breaches could face blacklisting and penalties.

Tiu Laurel acknowledged reports of an isolated breakdown involving a Chinese-brand combine harvester, which is currently under review. However, he dismissed claims of alleged favoritism toward a single supplier for machinery, noting that the machinery has been sourced from multiple global brands, such as Kubota and Yanmar, alongside rice processing technologies from Buhler Group and Satake.

Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel announced that the DA has begun utilizing Intervention Monitoring Cards (IMCs) under an improved system, which is intended to be a more transparent and accountable mechanism for delivering fertilizer assistance. A pilot program will be conducted this year in Southern Leyte, with a full nationwide rollout planned for 2027 if the system proves feasible at the national level.