The Department of Agriculture is encouraged to know that the country’s agriculture sector once again performed positively during the third quarter (Q3) of the year, despite the combined effects of the community lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather conditions during the months of July to September.

The 0.7 percent (%) positive growth is a welcome news, as it confirms that we are on the right track particularly on our palay and corn production program initiatives in partnership with farmers’ groups, local government units, and the private sector.

It is both inspiring and encouraging that production levels of palay and corn increased by 15.2% and 3.5%, respectively, during the third quarter versus the same three-month period last year.

As for fisheries, we are pleased that it grew by 1.9% due to increased catch of marine species.

The performance of hog and poultry sectors was expected due to the lingering effects of the ASF and low demand for poultry products, respectively.

In all, we commend our “heroes” —the farmers and fisherfolk — who continue to persevere and toil despite the odds, and that the Duterte administration through the Department of Agriculture will provide needed support and interventions to further increase their productivity and incomes, and subsequently propel the growth and competitiveness of Philippine agriculture. ###