By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a packed conference hall in Cebu City, farmers, mayors, and agriculture officers listened closely as a clear message was delivered: the future of Philippine food security depends on stronger local production, not heavier reliance on imports.
On Wednesday, Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro called on farmers and local government units (LGUs) to increase investments in livestock and other priority crops. Speaking at the Municipal Agri-Fishery Investment Forum held from January 20 to 22 in Cebu City, Navarro said boosting domestic, market-focused production can still bring strong income to farmers while helping the country reduce its growing dependence on imported food.
Navarro stressed that the Philippines continues to face a large agricultural trade deficit, estimated at around USD 11 billion, or more than PHP 650 billion at current exchange rates. This gap reflects long-standing weaknesses in local supply, even as demand continues to rise due to population growth and higher household incomes.
According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), imported products such as meat, grains, and other basic food items fill supply shortages that local producers have struggled to meet for years. While imports help stabilize prices in the short term, Navarro warned that excessive dependence makes the country vulnerable to global price swings, supply disruptions, and foreign exchange pressures.
He pointed to livestock as one of the key areas where farmers and LGUs can invest more confidently. Poultry, hogs, cattle, and small ruminants offer steady demand in local markets and can generate faster returns compared to some long-gestation crops. When supported with proper facilities, biosecurity measures, and access to financing, livestock production can become a reliable source of income for rural communities.
Navarro also highlighted the important role of LGUs in shaping agricultural growth. Local governments, he said, can help by improving farm-to-market roads, investing in slaughterhouses and cold storage, and supporting veterinary services. These basic interventions can lower production costs and reduce post-harvest losses, making local products more competitive against imports.
The DA official added that farmers should not view domestic-focused production as a second-best option. With the right planning and support, local markets can provide stable demand and fair prices. He encouraged municipalities to align their agricultural investment plans with national priorities, especially in food staples and high-demand commodities.
The forum gathered agriculture stakeholders from across the Visayas, including municipal agriculturists, fisherfolk leaders, and private sector representatives. Discussions focused on practical investment strategies, access to credit, and ways to attract private capital into agriculture at the local level.
As global uncertainties continue to affect food supply chains, Navarro said strengthening local production is no longer just an economic choice but a national necessity. Reducing the trade deficit, improving farmer incomes, and ensuring affordable food for Filipino families all start with investing in what the country can grow and raise at home.
The message from Cebu was clear: a more resilient and self-reliant agriculture sector begins in the countryside, where farmers and LGUs work together to turn local potential into lasting food security.
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