The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has upgraded the Philippines’ food system rating from “laggard” to “performer” in its 2025 assessment, citing improved logistics and reduced post-harvest losses, a senior DA official said Saturday.
DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Asis Perez made the disclosure in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on July 18, as part of the DZRH SONA 2026 Series: “From laggard, we’re now a performer. 2025 assessment ito.”
Perez said the upgrade reflects the Philippines’ improved ability to manage food system logistics, adding the country previously lost 12 to 36% of what it produced due to post-harvest and logistics deficiencies.
The DA’s focus on cold storages, agro-ports, dryers, and food hubs addressed these gaps directly.
“Malaki yung nawawala with the post-harvest and logistics deficiencies, and address mo yung nutrition,” Perez said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said the shift to a value chain approach—from seed to plate—drove the improvement.
He said the government is not just focused on production but on minimizing losses at every stage.
The UN ESCAP assessment is based on a country’s ability to manage logistics and address nutrition, among other factors.
