Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan on Thursday welcomed the reported rebound of the agriculture sector in 2025, citing that government interventions helped lift farm output to its highest level in five years. Pangilinan referred to data presented by Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, who said the sector ended 2025 with a total value of PHP1.77 trillion, with poultry production accounting for a significant share of the growth.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan expressed his satisfaction with the recovery, congratulating DA officials and employees under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, as well as stakeholders in the sector. He emphasized that agricultural growth must translate into higher incomes for farmers and fisherfolk, and more affordable and accessible food for Filipino families.

Pangilinan highlighted several policy actions that supported the sector, including Executive Order (EO) No. 101, which accelerated the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act. This measure allows local governments and national agencies to procure food directly from farmers and fisherfolk, bypassing traders and middlemen.

He also noted EO No. 100, which set a palay floor price to protect rice farmers from losses despite high harvest volumes. This policy helped prevent a drop in palay prices during periods of increased production.

Pangilinan further mentioned that the DA was encouraged to fill vacant positions with agricultural extension workers to provide direct, on-the-ground support to farmers, akin to the role of barangay health workers in communities. With these measures in place, Pangilinan expressed optimism that the sector's recovery would be sustained, hoping that the positive developments in agriculture are not merely a temporary occurrence.