The Manila Times
SEN. Francis Pangilinan called for immediate expansion of domestic biofertilizer production, noting the Middle East conflict could further increase fertilizer costs. Pangilinan issued the statement after a recent visit to AgriSpecialist Inc. Bio N Manufacturing Plant in Santa Rosa, a modern facility producing locally developed, high-grade biofertilizers. He noted that the ongoing war in the Middle East has disrupted key trade routes and contributed to volatility in the global fertilizer market — an issue that directly affects Filipino farmers already burdened by high input costs. “We must reduce our dependence on imported chemical fertilizers. It should not be that whenever there is conflict in the Middle East, and an energy and oil crisis, our farmers, fishermen, and consumers are the first to be hit,” Pangilinan said. He warned that continued reliance on imports leaves the country vulnerable to external shocks that could worsen hunger and poverty. The senator underscored the potential of biofertilizers—organic inputs derived from beneficial microorganisms — as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. A key example is Bio N, developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The product has been shown to reduce synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use by 30 percent to 50 percent, helping address the rising cost and limited supply of urea. Researchers added that the microbial solution can improve crop yields and soil health, producing more resilient plants. It has demonstrated benefits for crops such as corn and vegetables, including increased resistance to drought and pests, as well as reduced incidence of rice tungro and corn earworm infestations. Pangilinan emphasized that scaling up local biofertilizer production could stabilize prices, boost farm productivity, and strengthen long-term agricultural sustainability. “By investing in and promoting biofertilizer production, we not only cushion ourselves from global supply shocks but also empower our agricultural sector to become more resilient and sustainable,” he said. He called on the Department of Agriculture and other relevant agencies to expand research funding, provide incentives to local producers, and roll out training programs for farmers on biofertilizer use. The senator urged stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate innovation and ensure wider access to these technologies nationwide. Pangilinan stressed that strengthening domestic agricultural inputs is critical to protecting both farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food supply. “Now more than ever, we must prioritize long-term solutions that protect both our farmers’ livelihoods and our nation’s food supply,” he said.
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