The Philippines is considered an agrarian economy, with 47% of the total land area or approximately 30

million hectares are agricultural lands. However, the country is still not self-sufficient particularly with its
staple food requirements.

It is believed that preventing post-harvest losses is cheaper than to increase yield. And with proper post-
harvest handling and post-harvest technologies, people can be sufficiently fed without bringing
additional hectares under production or without changing present agricultural practices. Moreover,
Bautista (1990) mentioned that if we could cut down PH losses by a mere 10%, we would have more
food than by increasing yield by 10% without reducing post-harvest losses.
Agriculture, which is made up of four sub-sectors (crops, livestock, poultry and fisheries), is the main source of
livelihood for 25-30 percent of the labour force. It contributes about 10 percent to the gross national product.

Farming and fishing households, however, face high levels of food insecurity as a result of natural disasters such
as typhoons, earthquakes and floods. Decades of conflict has further exacerbated poverty and food insecurity in
the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, the country’s poorest region. These events have resulted in the
displacement of agriculture-dependent families, which further imposes limitations to their sources of income and
food.

While the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, it is also one of the most advanced
countries in implementing the shift from a reactive emergency response to a proactive risk reduction approach.
The Department of Agriculture continues to work closely with FAO’s technical experts on a National Disaster Risk
Reduction Strategy for agriculture and fisheries.

In 2016, food production index for Philippines was 114 index. Food production index of
Philippines increased from 31.2 index in 1967 to 114 index in 2016 growing at an average
annual rate of 2.76 %.

What is food production index?

Food production index covers food crops that are considered edible and that
contain nutrients. Coffee and tea are excluded because, although edible, they
have no nutritive value. 2004-2006 = 100.
The country’s agricultural sector is divided into: farming, fisheries, livestock, and forestry making up 20
% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Philippines at a glance. FAO in the Philippines. Retrieved June 16, 2019, from
http://www.fao.org/philippines/fao-in-philippines/philippines-at-a-glance/en/

Manila Bulletin. (2014). High-tech food processing terminal set in Clark Green City. Retrieved June 16,
2019, from https://ph.news.yahoo.com/

Castro, S. G. Post-Harvest Technology in the Philippines, p. 153

Philippines- Food production index. World Data Atlas. Retrieved June 19, 2019, from
https://knoema.com/atlas/Philippines/Food-production-index

Admin in Report. Agriculture in The Philippines – an overview. Retrieved June 16, 2019, from
http://philippinebritish.com/reports/agriculture-in-the-philippines-an-overview/

Problems on food production:

Not all areas In the Philippines are part of development programs

-- to inclusive agricultural growth and eventually, economic growth.

Farmers used to just face off with pests and diseases, and periodic typhoons, but as years passed by,
climate change has contributed to the burden that hinders growth in the sector
-- Farmers should be taught on the various ways they can mitigate and reduce climate risks. If
possible, climate-resilient crops should be made available
(There should be close monitoring when it comes to importation of agricultural products
farmers' continued reliance on chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides that have destroyed soil
productivity over time

Environmental damage
majority of food producers and handlers lack appropriate knowledge and expertise in the
application of modern agricultural practices, food hygiene, and good food handling practices.
Problems arise because of the inability to cope with the introduction of emerging intensive
agricultural practices, increasing urbanization, stress on natural resources, and new food safety
risks.

Food control infrastructure in many developing countries tends to be inadequate, due to limited
resources and often poor management. Food control laboratories are frequently poorly
equipped and lack suitably trained analytical staff.

Modern food control systems call for science-based and transparent decision-making
processes, and require access to qualified and trained personnel in disciplines such as
food science and technology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, veterinary science,
medicine, epidemiology, agricultural sciences, quality assurance, auditing and food law.
Food control authorities need to better appreciate the role of science in the risk-based
approach, and to take advantage of scientific resources in the international community.

The huge potential of the country’s growth in agriculture are not being optimized

- unlock by improving supply chain infrastructure and shifting focus from rice to high-value crops
Food supply has been gravely affected by a string of natural calamities that have rendered farmer
crops unusable, while problems caused by the lack of adequate infrastructure have posed an
unnecessary and formidable challenge to farmers.

A growing income gap between the upper and lower classes has hampered proper access and
utilization to food, especially for those who lie in the lower income brackets.

To be able to create an active public space for the customers and the market workers in
response to sustainability.
To be able to assist the city, especially the customers and the market worker, a healthy lifestyle
and practice not only for environmental purposes but for oneself also.
To be able to attend to the social aspects needs of the community.
To be able to create an active public market that will become the heart of city.
To be able to offer an array of goods and attract both locals and visitors to reinforce a lively
culture.
To be able to improve the farmer’s income and
generate livelihood opportunities. Included in
agriculture is the fishery’s sub
-sector that caters to a
considerable number of the city’s population.
To be able to promote environment-friendly compact development with appropriate
infrastructures for solid and liquid waste management.
To be able to have a systematic order in the individual strategies it wishes to undertake.