PH AGRI SHOWS 0.5% GROWTH DESPITE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III would like to commend Secretary William D. Dar for his first year in service as the Department of Agriculture Chief.

On August 5, 2020, a state of Philippine Agriculture Report was delivered by Secretary Dar to inform the nation regarding the status and agenda for the coming year of the DA.

“Masasabi kong sapat ang supply ng pagkain. May year-end stock tayo ng bigas na aabot sa 90 days, mais na good for 237 days; manok para sa 182 days, at mga gulay na aabot sa 20 days. The growth of the agriculture sector this second quarter is 0.5% despite the pandemic! Our hard work is paying off. Bida ang agrikultura,” Secretary Dar added.

Various problems were encountered in the Agriculture sector such as the crop damage caused by the typhoons, eruption of Taal Volcano, an outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, and now, the COVID-19 pandemic.Despite the situation, the Department of Agriculture led by Secretary Dar continues strategizing projects and programs that will further boost the production of major food commodities and ensure the country’s food security.

“We can be the solutions to problems of hunger and malnutrition. Together, we shall succeed in stopping out hunger as we pursue the different strategies under the ‘Plant, Plant, Plant’ umbrella program,” Secretary Dar said.

According to Philippine Statistics Authority data, the value of agricultural production amounted to PHP 439.8 billion hence it was 4.6% higher than the previous year’s level.

Moreover, Secretary Dar accepted the challenge of the Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez to endeavor great efforts in attaining a growth by at least 2% in the agriculture sector every year.

Congratulations, Manong Willie!