Manila: Satellite technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can further enhance the government's data collection in agriculture, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday. This comes as the DA partnered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to improve its data sharing and collaboration for statistics in agriculture, in line with the food security targets of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that this initiative will enable the government to make 'right decisions' regarding production, logistics, and food supply. "Accurate and timely data will ensure that our food security objectives are met. It tells us where production is strong, where it is weak, and where government intervention is needed," he said, emphasizing that funds will be allocated where they are 'needed the most.'

Both agencies aim to utilize AI and satellite imagery as part of their expanding technological efforts. The PSA has previously piloted the use of satellite imagery and AI for crop production estimation, similar to practices in other countries. PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa noted that this pilot implementation will be more effective with the DA's increased presence for field validations, allowing satellite-generated data to be confirmed through ground verification.

Mapa further highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that the agriculture and fisheries sector are considered 'vital drivers' of the country's economic growth, employment, and food supply. "We want to assure the DA that we are generating reliable and accurate statistics. The accuracy of data is critical in supporting sound policymaking," he said.

Tiu Laurel expressed optimism that these joint efforts will lead to a more proactive governmental response. "Data should not simply tell us what happened. It should help us anticipate what comes next so the DA can be proactive, not reactive, in protecting the country's food supply," he said.

Looking ahead to 2026, the PSA has initiated a new national census, the first in nearly a decade, to update population and consumption data nationwide. Tiu Laurel believes this will enhance the estimation of food requirements, adjust production targets, and result in more appropriate funding for the Philippine agriculture sector.