MANILA – The Department of Agriculture has ordered a nationwide survey among its program beneficiaries as part of a deeper investigation into complaints regarding the quality of seeds, fertilizers, and farm machinery distributed to farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative seeks to determine the real situation on the ground and ensure that government-funded agricultural assistance programs are functioning properly.
Despite reports alleging the distribution of substandard inputs and defective equipment, the DA chief said routine audits have so far found no evidence of widespread irregularities.
To obtain a clearer picture, the department will carry out a region-by-region survey targeting recipients of agricultural machinery, post-harvest facilities, seeds, and fertilizer support provided by the agency and its attached units.
According to Tiu Laurel, the survey will allow farmers themselves to report any issues they encountered, including malfunctioning equipment or problems with supplier after-sales services.
The agriculture secretary emphasized that the department is committed to transparency and accountability.
“We want the facts to come directly from the beneficiaries. If there are defects or service issues, these will be revealed through the survey,” he said.
He added that the DA will take appropriate measures should violations or lapses be confirmed, including possible sanctions against suppliers who fail to meet contractual obligations.
Tiu Laurel earlier acknowledged a reported breakdown involving a Chinese-brand combine harvester, describing it as an isolated case currently undergoing review.
He also rejected claims that the department had favored a single machinery supplier, pointing out that the DA procures equipment from various global manufacturers such as Kubota and Yanmar, while rice-processing technologies are sourced from companies like Buhler Group and Satake Corporation.
In addition, the department has begun rolling out Intervention Monitoring Cards (IMCs) as part of efforts to improve transparency in fertilizer assistance distribution.
A pilot implementation is scheduled this year in Southern Leyte, with a nationwide rollout planned in 2027 if the system proves successful.
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