LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — In a study titled "Insights into the Structural Challenges of Philippine Agricultural Transformation through Analysis of Production Growth Trends," the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) underscored its dedication to regional cooperation and progressive policy formulation in agricultural and rural development.
SEARCA Center Director Mercedita Sombilla said that the study used data from the Philippine Statistics Authority spanning 2000–2024 which focused on rice and corn, two staple crops that keep the structural health of Philippine agriculture.
Sombilla noted that the study's findings indicated that initial production gains, supported by technology and policy, ultimately tapered off.
She added that a quadratic trend analysis suggested existing farming practices may have peaked, highlighting the urgent need for structural reform and innovation.
Sombilla also shared a breakpoint analysis that revealed key changes in production patterns associated with policy adjustments and climate events.
She emphasized the importance of separating temporary from deep-rooted structural challenges — a crucial step for developing robust, evidence-based agricultural policies.
With these, Sombilla advocates for a shift away from piecemeal approaches and toward comprehensive agricultural reform, calling for strategic investments in irrigation, mechanization, climate-resilient infrastructure and enhanced research-to-farm linkages.
Her other recommendations included fostering cooperative farming, strengthening value chains and developing a national dashboard for data-driven agricultural governance.
Meanwhile, Sombilla said she presented the study during the 30th anniversary celebration of the China Center for Agricultural Policy (CCAP) held from Oct. 17 to Oct. 19. She represented SEARCA and participated in the CCAP Advisory Committee Meeting.
The event, hosted by Peking University, brought together leading institutions and renowned experts to commemorate CCAP's achievements as a premier agricultural policy think tank.
Through its robust connections with China's decision-making bodies and international partners, CCAP continues to play a significant role in promoting effective agricultural and rural development strategies across Asia.
In presenting the said study at the International Conference on Rural Transformation, Development and Policy in Developing Countries, Sombilla reaffirmed SEARCA's resolve to strengthen its long-standing partnership with CCAP, building on years of joint research efforts in agricultural economics and rural transformation.
SEARCA's active engagement at the CCAP milestone event demonstrates its sustained commitment to regional collaboration, shared knowledge creation and transformative agricultural policy.