Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. on Saturday, December 13, identified several attached agencies under the Department of Agriculture (DA) as standouts for 2025, citing institutional improvements and expanding production programs.
In an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday, Tiu Laurel said the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) was among the most notable performers after it was recognized as the most improved government-owned and -controlled corporation this year.
He also highlighted the National Dairy Authority (NDA), pointing to progress in dairy development, including the ongoing establishment of five stock farms for dairy cattle expected to be completed within 18 months.
The Agriculture Secretary further cited the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) as another strong performer, noting steady operational gains despite external challenges affecting the fisheries sector.
Tiu Laurel stressed that several other DA agencies posted solid results in 2025, saying overall performance across the department had improved compared with previous years.
“I cannot say that one is better than the other, but I see that everyone is doing well,” the DA chief said. “I’m proud of my people.”
Tiu Laurel said agricultural production was generally higher in 2025 than in 2024, with gains recorded in corn, sugar, poultry, eggs, and livestock, although African swine fever continued to affect hog production.
The DA chief acknowledged that fisheries output declined slightly year-on-year due to cooler waters linked to La Niña conditions, while aquaculture production showed continued growth.
He said rice prices for consumers were brought down by midyear through import management and the implementation of a maximum suggested retail price, even as palay prices posed challenges for farmers earlier in the year.
He attributed the drop in farmgate palay prices to over-importation following rice liberalization in 2024, adding that corrective measures, including a temporary import halt ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., had helped stabilize prices.
Looking ahead, Tiu Laurel said 2026 would be a “full year” for the department’s planned programs and budget execution, expressing confidence that DA agencies would further improve service delivery and farmer support.
“I told our Management Committee yesterday that next year is our year, because that will be the full year when our budget and plans come together as a whole,” the DA chief said.
