Philippine farm output expanded by 5.7 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, buoyed by a record harvest in rice and corn, according to data released Wednesday by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The total value of production in the sector reached P437.53 billion, recovering from a 3.2-percent contraction in the same period last year.
The growth was led by strong performance in the crops and poultry subsectors, which offset declines in livestock and fisheries.
Crops, which account for 56 percent of the total agri-fisheries output, grew 11.3 percent to P244.9 billion, with palay (unmilled rice) and corn posting double-digit increases of 13.9 percent and 27.3 percent, respectively.
“This is good news for the agri-sector. The growth was driven mainly by the crops and poultry subsectors,” said Department of Agriculture assistant secretary Arnel de Mesa, citing improved weather conditions and continued government interventions.
The poultry subsector rose 7 percent to P75.07 billion, contributing over 17 percent to the total output. Broiler chicken and chicken eggs led the gains, growing 8.2 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively.
Meanwhile, the livestock subsector saw a 5.9-percent decline in value, down to P59.60 billion, with hog production contracting 7.5 percent.
The fisheries subsector also dropped 4.2 percent to P57.96 billion, amid reports of reduced catch volumes and input cost pressures.
The DA noted an increase of 3.8 percent for overall agriculture production in the first half of 2025.
It expressed hope the country’s strong production could translate into lower food prices, especially for rice.
“It’s possible because of the law of supply and demand. If production is high, supply increases, and that could lead to lower prices,” de Mesa said, noting that national rice inventories are currently elevated, supported by the record palay harvest in the first half of the year and sustained output growth in the second quarter.
Despite the gains, de Mesa acknowledged persistent challenges in livestock and fisheries, calling for sustained support to address production bottlenecks in those segments.
