The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has released its latest report on the Volume of Production of Agriculture and Fisheries for the first quarter of 2025, revealing notable trends across key sectors. The data highlights a 7.4% increase in crops production, a 9.3% rise in poultry output, and a 1.5% growth in fisheries compared to the same period in 2024. These figures underscore the resilience and evolving dynamics of the country’s agri-fishery industry.
Crops Production: Sugarcane and Tobacco Lead Expansion
The total volume of crops production reached 26.94 million metric tons, marking a 7.4% year-on-year increase. Sugarcane emerged as the top performer, with output surging by 19% to 12.10 million metric tons, accounting for nearly 45% of total crops production. Tobacco also saw an extraordinary 80.4% growth, though its overall volume remained modest at 20.49 thousand metric tons. Other gainers included cacao (up 23.6%) and rubber (up 13.6%), signaling diversification in agricultural output.
However, not all crops fared well. Corn production declined by 5.1%, while abaca fiber output dropped by 15.4%, reflecting challenges in these sectors. The slight 0.3% growth in palay (rice) production suggests stable but stagnant yields, calling for potential policy interventions to boost productivity.
Livestock and Poultry: Chicken and Egg Production Drive Growth
The poultry sector expanded by 9.3%, reaching 771.05 thousand metric tons. Chicken production, which makes up 71.4% of total poultry output, grew by 8.7%, while chicken egg production surged by 12.1%, indicating strong domestic demand.
In contrast, livestock production dipped by 2.6%, primarily due to a 3.7% decline in hog output—a lingering effect of African Swine Fever (ASF) and supply chain disruptions. On a positive note, dairy production rose by 10.5%, reflecting gradual recovery in the livestock subsector.
Fisheries: Seaweed, Bangus, and Tilapia Boost Output
Fisheries production grew modestly by 1.5%, totaling 1.01 million metric tons. Seaweed remained the dominant commodity, with a 5.6% increase to 385.69 thousand metric tons, reinforcing its importance in aquaculture. Milkfish (bangus) and tilapia also posted gains of 7.8% and 2.2%, respectively, recovering from previous declines.
However, some fish species faced setbacks. Roundscad (galunggong) and skipjack (gulyasan) production fell by 14.7% and 9.2%, likely due to overfishing or environmental factors. These declines highlight the need for sustainable fishing practices to ensure long-term industry stability.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
The Q1 2025 data reveals a mixed performance across agriculture and fisheries. Sugarcane, poultry, and select fisheries are thriving, but challenges persist in corn, hogs, and certain fish species. To sustain growth, the following measures could be critical:
- Government support for struggling sectors, such as corn and hog farming.
- Investment in aquaculture technology to enhance fish production and sustainability.
- Climate adaptation strategies to mitigate weather-related risks affecting crops and fisheries.
Conclusion
The PSA’s latest report provides valuable insights into the Philippines’ agri-fishery performance, showcasing both growth opportunities and areas needing intervention. Stakeholders—from policymakers to farmers—must leverage this data to strengthen food security, enhance productivity, and ensure the sector’s long-term resilience.
For more details, download the full PSA report here.
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