Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

The Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines is the lead government agency responsible for promoting agricultural development, ensuring food security, and supporting farmers and fisherfolk across the country. Headquartered in Quezon City, the DA plays a central role in shaping national agricultural policies, delivering support services, and implementing strategic programs to advance the rural economy and ensure sustainable agricultural growth.

Core Mandate

As part of the executive branch of the Philippine government, the DA's core functions include:

• Formulating and enforcing agricultural policies
• Coordinating programs related to crops, livestock, fisheries, and natural resources
• Regulating food safety and agricultural standards
• Supporting rural infrastructure and market development

The Department operates under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., appointed in 2023.

Major Services and Program Areas

• Agricultural Policy and Planning:

  • National and regional development strategies
  • Implementation of Republic Acts and executive orders related to agriculture
  • Coordination with local government units (LGUs) and international agencies

• Farmer and Fisherfolk Support:

  • Subsidy programs for seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and irrigation
  • Credit and insurance programs via ACPC and PCIC
  • Cash assistance and productivity incentives under programs like Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA)

• Agribusiness and Market Access:

  • Farm-to-market road development
  • Trade facilitation and export certification support
  • Price monitoring and supply chain management

• Research and Development:

  • Coordination with attached agencies like the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)
  • Technology incubation and transfer programs
  • Support for climate-resilient and digital farming solutions

• Food Safety and Regulatory Oversight:

  • Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) provide quarantine, inspection, and disease control
  • Food safety programs aligned with Codex Alimentarius
  • Oversight of GMOs, fertilizers, pesticides, and veterinary drugs

Financials and Economic Impact

• The Department of Agriculture received a budget allocation of ₱167.5 billion for 2024, representing an 8.5% increase from the previous year.
• Funding priorities include infrastructure development (₱29.5B), irrigation (₱31B), and rice competitiveness programs (₱20B).
• Agriculture contributes approximately 9.3% to the Philippines’ GDP, with 24% of the workforce engaged in the sector.

Export and Trade Involvement

• The DA supports the OneDA Reform Agenda, promoting digitization, private sector partnerships, and export diversification.
• Philippine agri-food exports in 2023 totaled USD 7.2 billion, with top products including bananas, coconut oil, pineapple, and tuna.
• Engagement in bilateral trade agreements such as ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

Target Stakeholders

• Smallholder farmers and fisherfolk across 17 regions
• Cooperatives and agribusiness entrepreneurs
• Local and international investors in agriculture and agri-processing
• Development organizations and research institutions

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• Over 100 regional field units, satellite offices, and research stations nationwide
• Attached agencies covering key sectors: BAI, BPI, PhilMech, BFAR, PCA, NFA
• National analytics and forecasting tools for climate, crop yield, and supply chain planning

Certifications and Compliance

• Food safety systems aligned with ISO, ASEAN GAP, and international phytosanitary standards
• Compliance with the Food Safety Act of 2013 (RA 10611)
• Participation in Codex Alimentarius and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

Recent Achievements

• Launched Kadiwa ng Pangulo program to stabilize food prices and support direct farmer-to-consumer trade
• Initiated Digital Farmers Program (DFP) in partnership with DICT and private tech companies
• Enabled the export of fresh durian to China under a new bilateral protocol signed in 2023
• Distributed over ₱13.2 billion in direct financial support to rice farmers in 2023

Contact Information

• Office Address: Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 1101
• Phone: +63 2 8928 8741
• Email: osec.official@da.gov.ph | osec.invitation@da.gov.ph