Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to initiate the construction of the Philippines' first fertilizer plant by the end of this year. This strategic move aims to mitigate the impact of escalating global fertilizer prices, driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro revealed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto have approved the exploration of domestic fertilizer production. Navarro stated, "Mayroon tayong binabalak na magtatayo tayo ng (We have a plan to construct a) manufacturing plant for fertilizer. And this was already approved by the President during one of the Cabinet meetings." He further mentioned that if the feasibility study concludes by August or September, groundbreaking could occur between November and December.

Navarro emphasized that the project requires meticulous planning and a comprehensive feasibility study, with the proposal's approval anticipated within two weeks. If the timeline progresses as expected, the plant's construction could commence next year, with completion projected by 2027. Navarro added, "By 2027, we'll be able to put up the plant, and before the end of 2027, we will have our own urea fertilizer plant."

Meanwhile, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa disclosed the agency's pursuit of a USD1 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund the feasibility study. Concurrently, the DA is engaging with ASEAN partners, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam, to source fertilizers.

Additionally, the DA has allocated PHP500 million from its quick response fund (QRF) to procure biofertilizers for farmers. Current fertilizer prices, as reported by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, range from PHP1,926.56 to PHP2,748.44 for urea-prilled per 50-kilo bag, PHP2,438.67 for urea-granular, and PHP1,806.76 for complete (14-14-14) fertilizer.