Sen. Kiko Pangilinan warned that Filipino farmers remain exposed to global shocks as fertilizer prices continue to depend on imports, pushing for expanded domestic biofertilizer production.
The call followed his visit to the AgriSpecialist Inc. Bio N Manufacturing Plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, where locally developed biofertilizers are being produced. Pangilinan pointed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted key trade routes and triggered volatility in the global fertilizer market. The pressure falls on farmers already dealing with high input costs.
“We must reduce our dependence on imported chemical fertilizers. Our farmers, fishermen, and consumers should not be the first to be hit when there is conflict in the Middle East and an energy and oil crisis,” Pangilinan said.
He warned that reliance on imports keeps the country vulnerable to external disruptions that could worsen hunger and poverty.
Biofertilizers were identified as a cost effective and sustainable alternative. These inputs are derived from beneficial microorganisms and are produced locally. Pangilinan cited Bio N, developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, which has been shown to reduce synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use by 30 percent to 50 percent, easing pressure from rising urea costs and limited supply.
Researchers said the product can improve soil health and support higher crop yields. It has shown benefits for corn and vegetables, including stronger resistance to drought and pests and reduced incidence of rice tungro and corn earworm.
Pangilinan called on the Department of Agriculture and other agencies to expand research funding, support local producers, and train farmers. He also urged stronger coordination with private sector partners to expand access nationwide.
“Now more than ever, we must prioritize long term solutions that protect both our farmers’ livelihoods and our nation’s food supply,” he said.
