Provincial Agricultural Profile

Province of Laguna

1. Agricultural Profile

a. Topographic Data

i. Land Area

Laguna province has a total land

area of 175,973 hectares
equivalent to 1,759.73 square
kilometers which covers about
11% of the total land area of the
CALABARZON and is
considered as the third-largest
province in the region. It is an
inland province, which
comprises the largest portion of
the Laguna de Bay Region
where the Laguna Lake lies - the
country’s largest inland water,
and the second-largest
freshwater in Southeast Asia. The province is characterized by flat and rugged terrain and its
slope ranges from level to steep slope.

The terrain in Laguna consists mainly of narrow plains extending along the eastern, southern and
western shores of Laguna de Bay. A few elevated portions are found in the northwestern part with
Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw, which are the highest points in the province. On its southwestern
portion is the legendary Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve.

The slope classification in Laguna is categorized into the following: Gently Sloping to Undulating;
Level to Nearly Level; Moderately Sloping to undulating; Steep Hills and Mountains; Strongly
Sloping to Moderately Steep; and lastly Very Steep Hills and Mountains.

ii. Agricultural Land Area

The total agricultural area in Laguna accounts for 50,298 hectares. The agricultural areas in the
province are commonly planted with perennial crops and permanent crops, and some areas are
covered with forest and permanent meadows and pastures.

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iii. Number of Barangay, Municipalities, Congressional Districts

Laguna province consists of 681 Barangays in 6 cities (Cities of Biñan, Cabuyao, Calamba, San
Pablo, San Pedro, and Sta. Rosa) and 23 municipalities (Los Baños, Sta. Cruz, Bay, Calauan,
Nagcarlan, Siniloan, Alaminos, Cavinti, Kalayaan, Lumban, Pagsanjan, Pila, Liliw, Luisiana,
Magdalena, Majayjay, Paete, Pangil, Sta. Maria, Victoria, Famy, Mabitac, Pakil, and Rizal)
organized into 6 Congressional Districts. Based on the CY 2020 Census of Population, among
the five provinces comprising CALABARZON region, Laguna ranked 2nd which has the biggest
population with 3,382,193 persons with an annual population growth rate (PGR) of 2.3 percent
representing 20.88% of the total population of the region (PSA, 2021). Based on these figures,
the population density is computed at 1,754 inhabitants per square kilometer.

iv. Type of Climate

The province is relatively dry from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year,
particularly in areas near the southern boundary. The other parts, particularly west of Sta. Cruz,
Laguna experiences a dry season from November to April and a rainy season during the rest of
the year. The eastern and southernmost portions of the province do not have a distinct season,
but have rainfall more evenly distributed throughout the year.

Due to favorable weather conditions in Laguna and neighboring provinces, tourists from Manila
flock to its hot spring resorts and scenic spots. Laguna is not only famous in the production of
staple food crops like corn and rice , but also in fruits like lanzones and chico that rarely grow in
other parts of the country. Rainfall occurs frequently during the months of May to November.
Generally, the month of August has the highest precipitation. It is from June to November that the
coastal areas most often experience rainfall. The average annual rainfall in Laguna is
approximately 225.3 cubic centimeters, whereas the average annual rainfall over the lake area is
1.986 cubic millimeters.

v. Multi-hazard

Based on the Climate Resiliency and

Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), the
overall vulnerability index of Laguna is
shown in the presented figure. The
municipalities with a very high vulnerable
index are Siniloan, Lumban, Cavinti, Pila,
Liliw, and Calauan. The municipalities of
Sta. Maria, part of Mabitac, Family,
Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan, Sta. Cruz,
Pagsanjan, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Bay,
and Alaminos have high vulnerable
indexes. The only municipality with a very
low vulnerable index is Calamba City.

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About 30,751 hectares and 112,444 hectares of agricultural areas in the province are exposed
with high susceptibility to flooding and rain-induced landslides, respectively. Among the five
provinces in the region, Laguna has the most areas affected by flood and rain-induced landslides.

The province also has an earthquake induced landslide hazard which includes the municipalities
of Nagcarlan and Liliw. Some areas of Famy and Pangil are also prone to this hazard (PDPFP,
Laguna).

b. Agricultural Data

Selected Agricultural Profile of Laguna Province

Parameters Value

Total Land Area1 168,825.55 hectares

Agricultural Land Area 46,182.60 hectares

Number of Farmers2 29851 (RSBSA)

Number of Fisherfolk3 17,440 fishers

Priority Commodities All commodities with VCAs

Coconut, Lowland Vegetables,
Cacao, Banana, Pineapple

Other Champion Commodities

Rice, Corn, Rambutan,
Lanzones,

Number of Accredited 7 CSOs

CSOs

1
Based on the Provincial Development Physical Framework Plan of Laguna

2
Based on the encoded farmers in the Registry System of Basic Sector in Agriculture

3
Based on the FishR System of BFAR

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i. Production Data

Laguna province, as the top producer of lowland vegetable in the region, is a food basket of raw
vegetables, fruits, root crops and livestock, freshwater fish due to its fertile plains, the tropical
rainforests, the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, Laguna Lake, and the Seven Lakes of San Pablo
City.

The province also produces export-quality processed food because of the presence of factories
in San Pedro, Biñan, and Sta. Rosa City.

The production data was generated from PSA Data. The data for rice and corn were 2021 data
while other crops are 2020 data. The ranking per province was also shown in the table in
comparison to other provinces in the region.

ii. Food Sufficiency / Food Resiliency Report

Based on the computation of the food sufficiency index in the province of Laguna, some of the
basic food items in the province are in deficit. The index was computed based on the 2020
Projected Population and Per Capita Consumption per Commodity based on the PSA Data.

Provincial Food Sufficiency Outlook

Commodity Sufficiency Index Value

Rice 26.18 Deficit

White Corn 215.83 Surplus

Cassava 26.90 Deficit

Lowland Vegetables 44.16 Deficit

Pork 134.02 Surplus

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 Commodity Sufficiency Index Value

Carabeef 213.07 Surplus

Chicken 157.09 Surplus

Chicken Egg 11.04 Deficit

Milkfish 0.17 Deficit

Tilapia 46.97 Deficit

iii. Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)

Pursuant to RA 11203 otherwise known as the “Rice Tariffication Law”, the RCEF was created to
improve rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amidst liberalization of the Philippine rice trade
policy that lifted the quantitative restrictions on rice imports and replaced it with tariffs, among
others.

Through RCEF, rice farmers will be provided with assistance in terms of farm machinery, seed
development, credit, and extension service, which will be implemented in an integrated manner.

More specifically, in terms of provision of inbred seed variety, Laguna province has a total
allocation of 19,534 bags to be distributed to 5,403 rice farmer-beneficiaries with a total rice farm
area of 6,295 hectares.

RCEF Seed Program Distribution for CY Sept. 16, 2019 - March 15, 2020

iv. CSO-accredited Farmer Associations and Cooperatives (FCAs)

DA RFO CALABARZON accounted seven (7) accredited Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in
Laguna province namely:

 International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA)

 Society Towards Reinforcing Inherent Viability for Enrichment (SIKAP/STRIVE) Inc.

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  Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research and Foundation, Inc.UPLB Foundation,
Inc.
 Center for Environmental Law and Policy Advocacy, Inc.
 Philippine Association of Agriculturist, Inc.
 Cavinti Fishcage Operators Marketing Cooperative (CAFISOMACO)

This accreditation opens the window of opportunity for CSOs to receive interventions from the DA
and its attached bureaus and agencies.

2. Competitive Advantage of the Province

There are many opportunities in agriculture and fishery for Laguna province. First, the opportunity
to increase production of agricultural commodities for food processing given that San Pablo is the
food processing hub and is near Metro Manila. Nagcarlan can be the major producer of this food
processing because it is known to have good weather conditions for agricultural production. As
for the fishery sector, Laguna Lake contributed 30% to the national production of tilapia.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños
(UPLB) are located in Laguna. These two institutions are excellent players of the agriculture
industry by providing services to improve the agricultural sector. Laguna can improve their rice
production given that they have large areas of production with the help of these institutions.

Moreover, the presence of hydroelectric power plant in Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan; processing

facilities and institutional buyers such as industrial parks, restaurants, groceries, and
commissaries; CALAX, SLEX and Star Tollways as gateway of local and international shipping
cargoes; and registered feed mills, among others, provide a comparative advantage to Laguna
province.

Further, Laguna has an edge when it comes to dairy production. Thus, the provinces intends to
(1) increase livestock production especially dairy carabao and dairy cattle, (2) improve pasture
area and increase the supply of forage (3) improvement of the genetics of the breeding stock, and
(4) to establish dairy processing plant to achieve self-sufficiency of milk production. Also, there is
an opportunity to convert the manure into organic fertilizer and into biogas fuel for cooking.

Furthermore, presence of the following agricultural products in niche markets provides a

competitive advantage for the province, to wit:

 Organically-grown roasted coffee bean

 Virgin coconut oil and coco sap sugar
 Organically-grown fermented cacao beans
 Organically-grown fruits and vegetables
 White cheese and other dairy products
 Buko pie

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Likewise, the presence of agri-tourism sites as the new niche market contributes to competitive
advantage for the province such as the Costales Nature Farm and other DOT-accredited sites

3. Issues and Challenges

a. African Swine Fever (ASF)

The first outbreak of ASF in the Philippines was reported in CALABARZON particularly in
Rodriguez, Rizal last July 2019 with more than 67,000 pigs culled to control the spread of disease.
The ASF has negatively impacted the industry/market of the region which recorded loss of actual
income of farmers, traders and smallholder processors of pork products. The loss of potential
income is due to decline in demand of pork and pork products, movement restrictions which could
cause an increase of market price, and increase in market prices of commodities due to increase
in demand. In fact, it affected the estimated Php 400 Billion swine industry where a total inventory
of 12.5 million swine was produced by backyard, small, medium and large producers. Backyard
farming alone comprises 8.25 million heads or 65% of the total hog inventory in the Region.

As part of DA’s recovery and rehabilitation program, a total of Php 4.9-Million was allocated as
indemnification to 918 infected hogs owned by 99 farmers in Laguna province in 2021. Moreover,
a total of 409 hog raisers in the province also benefited from the Swine Mortality Insurance
program from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) in the same year.

b. Avian Influenza

Victoria AI Situationer Report

On February 22, 2022, DA Regional Office sent a team to Victoria - composed of RADDL and
Regulatory Division to conduct disease investigation. It was revealed that the stocks of the
suspected farm came from a hatchery in Victoria, Laguna. This hatchery sources hatching eggs
within Victoria and from Sta Catalina and Buenavista West, Candelaria, Quezon. The ducklings
exhibited erratic movement, twisting of the neck, with gray eyes and diarrhea.

However, it was determined that the suspect farm's cultural management focuses on organic
farming for duck raising, including disinfection with Lactic Acid Bacterial Solution and Chili (LABS)
and vinegar, alternative feeds (corn grits, cooked rice, and dredged snails), and the use of chili or
pepper and oregano infusion in water as a cure for respiratory illnesses, to name a few. 60 ill
ducklings were placed in an isolation enclosure at the time of the research. Due to its proximity to
Laguna Lake, the presence of Egrets and Maya near to the farm has been noticed.

Samples sent to the regional disease investigation were forwarded to the Animal Disease
Diagnostic and Reference Laboratory (ADDRL). Later that day, the confirmatory test revealed a
positive result. Instantly, the Regional AI Quick Response Team (RQRT) was activated and held
an internal AI operation meeting and initial outbreak preparation on February 24, 2022.

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The first depopulation was led by the OPV Laguna and assisted by the DA RFO and MDDRM.
From the 1st infected farm, 666 animals were depopulated (650 ducklings, 2 turkey, and 14
Muscovy ducks). To date, there are a total of 770 culled birds from the two infected farms.

Tentatively, the aforesaid phase will end on April 23 (1st case) and April 30 (2nd case). The
activities for cleaning and disinfection up to sentinelling program were explained to farm owners.
Three (3) checkpoints have been established in the main thoroughfare of Victoria -Brgy. San Felix,
and Nanhaya (J.P Rizal and Pila Road). The checkpoints were continuously manned 24/7 by the
DA RFO, MDDRM and Barangay Officers.

The surveillance for the 1 km and 7 km radius from the ground zero started on February 25, 2022.
To date, a total of 2,104 samples were submitted to ADDRL which were collected from 124 farms.
A close observation and monitoring of these farms has been recommended while waiting for
results.

The LGU of Victoria has declared a "State of Calamity" to tap the emergency funds that could be
used in the event of new cases. Due to the significant effect of the recent positive cases to the
poultry production and value chain of Victoria, the LGU has drafted an Executive Order.

San Pedro City AI Situationer Report

Last February 24, 2022, City Veterinarian Office of San Pedro received reports of duck dispersal
of 2,500 heads. Dispersal was uncoordinated with the CAO and CVO, thus, CVO opted to monitor
the said recipient farms. 64 samples for surveillance were submitted to ADDRL from the said
identified three farms.

One out of three farm submissions in Brgy. Cuyab (Aplaya), San Pedro City tested positive for
AIV H5N1. A meeting was held with the LGU, particularly on their outbreak taskforce, to delineate
the roles for AI containment and response plan. The major points discussed were:

1. Depopulation protocols, immediate establishment of checkpoints, Incident Command

Post identification
2. Movement restrictions (as per MC No 5. S. of 2022 and AO No. 5 S. of 2019) and
additional restrictions such as pigeon racing and cockfighting
3. Role of CHO in monitoring the health status of the people surrounding the infected
farm. As per RA 11332, the MHO Surveillance unit shall swab, test and quarantine the
people within the compound of the infected farm for 10 days
4. The CDRRM, POSO and Brgy. Representatives shall take charge in animal movement
checkpoints
5. For any resistance in the depopulation and/or surveillance protocol, the PNP is willing
to assist on the ground.
6. As a requirement for the indemnification, the declaration of the outbreak in San Pedro,
released through an Executive Order, will emanate from the CVO. The CDDRM will
assess the situation if the outbreak is the declaration of “State of Calamity”.
7. The surveillance team will be composed of the DA RFO, OPV, CVO and Brgy.
Representatives.

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Moreover, a total of 968 animals were depopulated, composed of 967 RTL ducks and 1 game
fowl. The depopulation in Cuyab, San Pedro City started at 9:30 PM and wrapped up the cleaning
and disinfection within the infected premises past 2:00 AM.

The LGU tapped the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council
(BFARMC) and "Bantay Lawa" to report any incidents of illegal transportation of products near
the lakeshore barangays. Simultaneously, four (4) checkpoints have been established and
strategically located to the main entry and exit points in San Pedro.

To date, 880 samples have been sent to ADDRL from 67 farms within a 1 km and 7 km radius of
ground zero. DA RFO, OPV Laguna, and CVO made up the surveillance team.

The LGU of Laguna plans to release an Executive Order and an Ordinance, as suggested by the
City Administrator. This would give emphasis that all livestock and poultry shipped in or out of the
city must be properly coordinated with the CAO and/or CVO.

Other Challenges lifted from the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan
Consultation

Low agricultural production and low income of farmers

Agriculture in the province faces major problems that need to be addressed to uplift the standard
living of the farmers and to achieve self-sufficiency. One of the major problems of Laguna province
in agriculture is the low agricultural production and low income of the farmers. This problem may
cause the farmers to reconsider other income-generated occupations such as industrial works.

Insufficient irrigation system and post-harvest facilities

The major problem of Laguna province when it comes to production is the insufficient irrigation
system. Priority crops of Laguna such as rice, corn, lowland vegetables and fruit trees need the
irrigation system. As for the marketing, the two major problems of the province are the inefficient
farm-to-market roads and inadequate farm post-harvest facilities.

Decrease number of duck raisers

Laguna is known to be a 2nd producer of duck and duck egg in the region in the year 2016 which
contributed to the regional production of 13% and 35%, respectively. But according to the Laguna
Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan, the number of duck raisers are already
decreasing. The decrease of the engaged farmers in duck raising is attributed to the low
production of “suso” which is the main source food of the ducks. Thus, the production of duck and
duck egg might also decrease because of this problem.

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Land conversion

Land conversion from agricultural to residential and commercial use also adds to the negative
impacts on the economic-benefit of the farmers. This may affect the high performance of the
province when it comes to the production of dairy products such as dairy milk and kesong puti –
in which it is known to be one of the delicacies in Laguna (PDPFP of Laguna, 2010 -2020). Laguna
is facing a decrease in improved pasture area for grazing livestock animals such as dairy carabao
and cattle, even goats. Also, there is a limited market exposure for dairy products derived from
carabao milk particularly at the small-scale level.

Rapid urbanization is observed in the province and creates a big dent to the environment and the
natural resources. Construction of new infrastructure facilities causes landslide and flooding
problems which affect the constituents of the area.

The provincial government shall seek to ensure the sustainable use of land resources through
thorough urban/rural planning. Infrastructure services will provide necessary infrastructure
facilities and support to attain urban industrialization and agro-modernization and to establish &
sustain economic growth. Alongside, protection and conservation of the province’s natural and
environmental resources must be enforced.

4. Plans and Programs

a. FY 2022 Plans (Per District)

i. Rice Program

The Rice Program allocated a total of Php 28.1-Million for the province of Laguna which includes;
Agricultural Machinery, Equipment and Facilities Support Services; and Irrigation Network
Services.

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ii. Livestock Program

For the Livestock Program of DA RFO CALABARZON, the province of Laguna will receive
production support and agricultural machinery, equipment, facilities and infrastructure support
interventions in the total amount of Php 34.39-Million funded under the FY 2022 General
Appropriations Act (GAA).

iii. Corn Program

The Corn Program allocated a total of Php 4.43-Million for the province of Laguna which includes
Production Support Services; Agricultural Machinery, Equipment and Facilities Support Services;
and Irrigation Network Services. Php 185 thousand will be allocated to 2nd district, Php 444.29
thousand for 3rd district, 45th district with Php 1.34-Million allocation and Php 2.46-Million for 6th
district.

DISTRICT INTERVENTION BUDGET (P’000)

2nd Seed Procurement 160

Post-harvest Related
25
Machinery and Equipment

Seed Production and

3rd 444.29
Procurement

Seed Production and

4th 826.29
Procurement

Soil Conditioner Distribution 270

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 Cassava Production 41.67

Irrigation Network Services 200

Seed Production and

6th 1,002.144
Procurement

Soil Conditioner Distribution 180

Post-harvest Related
1,280
Machinery and Equipment

TOTAL 4, 428

iv. High Value Crops Development Program

The High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) has allocated the total amount of Php
19.12-Million for DA agricultural interventions for the province of Laguna which was approved
under the FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA). More specifically, it includes Production
Support Services; Extension Support, Education and Training Services; Agricultural Machinery,
Equipment and Facilities Support Services; and Irrigation Network Services.

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Page 13 of 17
v. Organic Agriculture Program

Based on the FY 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), a total of Php 973,800.00 was allocated
for the Organic Agriculture Program of DA RFO CALABARZON for the province of Laguna
comprising production support services and agricultural machinery, equipment, facilities and
infrastructure services.

b. Bayanihan II

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the DA was allocated with a total amount of Php 24-
Billion for direct cash and loans, agri-fishery enterprises assistance, support to the Plant Plant
Plant Program, and FMRs.

Among the interventions provided to Laguna province farmer-beneficiaries are productivity and
income enhancement projects.

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c. NUPAP

With the increasing food security threats in the region especially in urban areas, the Department
of Agriculture-Regional Field Office CALABARZON formulated the Urban and Peri Urban
Agriculture Program which aims to increase the food sufficiency level in the region and to
contribute to the food requirement of Metro Manila. More specifically, the said program aims to
(1) increase food availability to prevent hunger and malnutrition; (2) to produce sustainable, safe
and healthy food especially during the pandemic period; (3) to increase household income.

Laguna province is one of the recipients of the following program plans and focus, to wit:

Food Security Strategies

 Distribution of Agricultural Inputs for Individuals (Backyard Farming)

Strategies:
- Conduct Training on Vegetable Production cum Good Agricultural Practices
- Provision of Agricultural interventions (Seeds, Fertilizer & Garden Tools);
- Encourage households to do backyard vegetable farming and maximize limited
space thru container gardening and Gulayan sa Bakanteng Lote;
- Close Monitoring of the production thru regular reports.

 Establishment of Community Urban Farms (Conventional, Vertical, Small livestock

Urban Farms for Food Security)

Strategies:
- 68 Communal Gardens
- 19 mushroom house with equipment per Cities in CALABARZON
- 19 Greenhouse with Hydroponics per Cities in CALABARZON
- Small Livestock Urban Farms

d. Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance (RFFA)

Under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), an unconditional cash assistance of Php 5,000.00 known
as the RFFA is provided to RSBSA-listed rice farmers, tilling 2 hectares and below.

The goal of the RFFA is to provide compensation for the projected income loss of rice farmers
due to the drop in palay prices.

A total budget of Php 40.69-Million was allotted for the 8,139 qualified beneficiaries in Laguna
province, in which 7,230 farmers already claimed said subsidy.

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e. Registered Facilities in Laguna

FEEDS TOTAL NUMBER

Commercial Feed Trader 5

Commercial Mixed Feed Manufacturer 4

Feed Distributor 37

Feed Exporter 1

Feed Importer 24

Feed Indentor 12

Feed Ingredient Manufacturer 4

Feed Ingredient Supplier 2

Feed Repacker 1

Feed Retailer 100

Non Commercial Mixed Feed Manufacturer 3

Toll Manufacturer 4

VETERINARY DRUGS & PRODUCTS TOTAL NUMBER

Feed Exporter 4

Feed Importer 12

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 VETERINARY DRUGS & PRODUCTS TOTAL NUMBER

Manufacturer 4

Outlet 20

Trader 4

Wholesaler 3

ANIMAL WELFARE ASSOCIATION TOTAL NUMBER

Aviary 1

Canine Facility 2

Hatchery 1

Hog Farm 2

Laboratory Animal 1

Pet Shop 1

Poultry Farm 22

Vet Clinic 4

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