The Philippines remains on track toward achieving food security goals as the agriculture and fisheries sector posted continued growth in the third quarter, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Friday.

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) recent data showed the country logged 2.8 percent or PHP408.94 billion year-on-year growth in the agri-fishery sector, up from PHP397.914 billion during the same period in 2024.

In a statement on Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attributed the improvement to ongoing government efforts and favorable weather conditions.

“Clearly, we are heading in the right direction. Every quarter, we are seeing improvement, so we must be doing something right,” he said.

“Of course, we have fairly good weather this year, and that is also helpful.”

The growth was primarily driven by the increase in crop production at 53.3 percent, as it incurred a 3 percent increase worth PHP218 billion.

Palay (unhusked rice) output surged nearly 13 percent, driving overall growth, while corn production fell 2.9 percent.

Besides increased output in crops, the poultry sector also showed recovery, climbing by 10.6 percent, valued at PHP75.96 billion.

Tiu Laurel, however, acknowledged ongoing challenges in the livestock sector due to the effects of African swine fever (ASF), as well as in the fisheries sector.

For the livestock sector, production fell by 1.9 percent, worth PHP60.51 billion; while fisheries is at -2.7 percent, valued at PHP54.47 billion. (PNA)