The Department of Agriculture (DA) is targeting to break ground on the Philippines’ first-ever fertilizer manufacturing plant before the end of 2026, a move seen as a long-term solution to rising global fertilizer prices.
DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro said the plan has already received approval from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, following discussions in a Cabinet meeting.
“Mayroon tayong binabalak na magtatayo tayo ng manufacturing plant for fertilizer… This was already approved by the President,” Navarro said.
He added that if feasibility studies are completed by August or September, construction could begin between November and December this year.
Navarro said the project remains subject to final studies and approval of the proposal, which is expected within the next two weeks. If timelines are met, the country could start building its first fertilizer plant by 2027, with operations potentially beginning before the end of the same year.
Meanwhile, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency is seeking a US$1 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund the feasibility study.
The DA is also coordinating with ASEAN partners such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam for interim fertilizer sourcing as global supply remains affected by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
To cushion farmers from high costs, the agency has already tapped ₱500 million from its quick response fund for the distribution of biofertilizers.
Based on monitoring by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, urea prices currently range from ₱1,926.56 to ₱2,748.44 per 50-kilo bag, depending on type and formulation.
