By Benjamin Cuaresma
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is strengthening agricultural support programs, expanding solar-powered irrigation and pursuing trade safeguards to protect local producers while ensuring adequate and affordable food supplies amid looming El Niño challenges.
These measures were discussed during Kapihan sa Manila Bay with Marichu Villanueva on November 4, 2026.
The forum featured DA spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa and Danny Fausto of PCAFI.
De Mesa discussed the planned distribution of mobile solar-powered irrigation systems beginning December to help farmers in areas beyond existing irrigation networks. Equipped with batteries, inverters and pumps, the systems are expected to reduce dependence on costly diesel-powered equipment.
The DA is also pursuing measures to protect local hog raisers from imported pork, including a proposed 60-day quantitative restriction on selected cuts such as belly and kasim. It is likewise seeking higher tariff rates to help balance imports with domestic production.
The department also emphasized stronger biosecurity measures and vaccination against African swine fever (ASF), particularly among smallhold hog raisers, who account for approximately 60 percent of the country’s hog producers.
Meanwhile, the DA acknowledged the need to strengthen local production while allowing calibrated imports to address potential supply shortages.
During the forum, X-FILES reporter Benjie Cuaresma challenged the department to explain how the government would guarantee that food is not only available in markets but also affordable and accessible to every Filipino family.
He called for specific government commitments, measurable targets and definite timelines rather than assurances alone.
The DA responded that food security must cover availability, accessibility and affordability, stressing that local production must be supported by carefully managed imports when domestic supplies are insufficient.
The department also appealed for increased funding in the 2027 national budget to strengthen agricultural programs and help producers withstand climate-related challenges.
