Philippines Posts Highest Second-Quarter Palay Harvest in Nearly 40 Years as Government Strengthens Food Security Drive

AGRI-NEWS | Farming Posted on 2026-08-06 17:00:02

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has achieved its highest second-quarter palay (unhusked rice) harvest in nearly four decades, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural sector and reinforcing the government's commitment to food security and farmer empowerment.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country produced 4.63 million metric tons (MT) of palay from April to June 2026, representing a 5.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The achievement marks the highest second-quarter harvest since 1987, highlighting the resilience of Filipino farmers and the effectiveness of government interventions.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. credited the record harvest to proactive agricultural policies, expanded government support, and strategic preparations initiated under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen national food security while improving the livelihood of Filipino farmers.

"The agency is applying lessons from the 2024 El Niño, shifting its strategy from crisis response to early preparation to safeguard both food supplies and farmer incomes," Secretary Tiu Laurel said.

One of the key factors behind the historic harvest was the expansion of harvested rice areas to 1.04 million hectares, an unprecedented level that compensated for the slight decline in average yield from 4.50 MT per hectare to 4.47 MT per hectare. Overall harvested area increased by 6.5 percent, reflecting favorable planting conditions, stronger farmer confidence, and improved market profitability.

The Agriculture chief also noted that the government's four-month rice import ban implemented from September to December last year helped improve farmgate prices, encouraging more farmers to increase rice production.

The record-breaking second-quarter performance also offset the weaker first-quarter output, bringing the country's total first-semester palay production to approximately 9 million metric tons.

Government Preparing for Strong El Niño

Despite the encouraging production figures, the Department of Agriculture is intensifying preparations for the projected impact of a strong El Niño expected to affect agricultural production in the coming months.

Based on the PSA's standing crop assessment as of July 1, the country's third-quarter palay production could decline by 13.3 percent, with projected output falling to 3.25 million MT, compared to 3.75 million MT during the same period last year.

"Food security means being proactive. We must keep farmers planting despite higher costs and the threat of El Niño," Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized.

To cushion farmers from the anticipated challenges, the government will expand the National Food Authority's (NFA) palay procurement program, purchasing approximately 500,000 metric tons of palay at improved support prices:

• ₱21 per kilogram for wet palay

• ₱25 to ₱27 per kilogram for clean and dry palay

The NFA has been allocated approximately ₱20 billion for palay procurement this year—more than double last year's ₱9 billion budget.

The DA will likewise continue providing:

• Financial assistance to farmers

• Crop insurance coverage

• Irrigation support

• Distribution of quality seeds

• Farm mechanization services

• Investments in drying, storage, milling, and post-harvest facilities

• Remote sensing, field validation, and continuous monitoring of crop conditions

Affordable Rice Program Continues

To protect consumers from rising food prices, the Department of Agriculture confirmed that the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative will continue providing eligible beneficiaries with rice priced at ₱20 per kilogram through accredited outlets nationwide.

The DA also clarified that no rice import ban will be imposed during the current wet harvest season, ensuring sufficient rice supply in local markets.

Secretary Tiu Laurel said the government aims to maintain adequate rice inventories until April 2027, ahead of the next dry-season harvest.

As of August 2, total rice import arrivals had reached approximately 3.5 million metric tons, providing additional buffer stocks while the government balances support for local farmers and consumer food security.

The latest production milestone demonstrates the Philippines' continuing efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience, modernize rice production, and prepare the sector against climate-related risks while ensuring stable food supplies for the nation.

NPO News Team I PNO-PR

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