Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez sees a better income for Filipino farmers and access to more affordable food for everyone with the inauguration of a plant that would mass-produce locally developed biological fertilizer.
In his message at the inauguration of the Agri Specialist Inc.’s Bio N fertilizer plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on Sunday, the Speaker said the event was a game changer to usher in a new chapter in Philippine agriculture and a turning point for “our farmers, our food supply, and the nation’s future.”
Developed by Filipino scientists at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos, Bio N is a biofertilizer that reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, improves soil health, and cuts farming costs.
“This means: Mas murang abono para sa ating mga magsasaka. Mas maraming ani, mas mataas ang kita. Mas masustansya at mas abot-kayang pagkain para sa bawat Pilipino,” Romualdez said.
“For too long, our farmers have been burdened by the rising costs of imported fertilizers, leaving our country’s food security at the mercy of price fluctuations in the world market,” he added.
“Every sack of rice, every ear of corn, every vegetable on our tables comes from the sweat and sacrifice of our farmers. But if they are struggling with high costs and low yields, we all feel the impact — sa presyo ng pagkain, sa gastusin ng pamilya, sa kabuhayan ng buong bansa,” he further stated.
The new fertilizer plant is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for the country to break free from dependence on expensive imports.
“His administration has championed the Balanced Fertilization Strategy, promoting biofertilizers like Bio N to boost productivity while protecting our environment,” he noted.
“As the President said in his latest State of the Nation Address: Pinapalawak natin ang kaalaman ng ating mga magsasaka sa makabagong mga teknolohiya at pamamaraan. Isa na rito ang paggamit ng bio-fertilizers, na gawa sa Pilipinas at subok din at maaasahan. Sa balanced fertilizer strategy, gaganda ang ani ng mga magsasaka. Hindi na kailangang umasa sa mas mahal at imported na fertilizer,” he cited.
He believes the plant would empower our farmers with real choices, real solutions, and real support.
The plant, with its state-of-the-art bioreactors, automatic packaging systems, and microbiology research lab, could produce 7,000 metric tons of Bio N every year, enough to supply the needs of our rice and corn farmers nationwide.
“This plant represents more than just production capacity. It represents hope, opportunity, and independence,” Romualdez said.
“One of the most important things about this initiative is that it is 100% Proudly Filipino,” he stressed.
The inauguration of the BIO N plant is the culmination of decades of research and innovation by the country’s very own scientists at UPLB.
The Speaker said it is proof that the private sector, the government, and the research institutions can work together to bring real change to the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“To our farmers: This is for you. This is proof that we are committed to helping you thrive, not just survive,” he said.
“This project is a bold step forward. But we cannot stop here. We must continue investing in innovation, research, and real solutions that uplift our farmers and strengthen our agriculture sector,” he noted.
He exhorted policymakers and business leaders to invest more in agriculture, saying that a strong agriculture sector means a strong economy, strong communities, and a stronger nation.
“To every Filipino: Support local. When you choose Philippine-grown rice, corn, and produce, you help our farmers, you create jobs, and you strengthen our economy,” he said, adding that the inauguration of the new BIO N fertilizer plant is a win for every Filipino.