Philstar (11/09/2026) - MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to develop about 300,000 hectares of palm oil plantations to boost local production and reduce dependence on imports.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency has created a roadmap to develop palm oil plantations to boost local production.

He said there is a need to cut reliance on imports, which currently supply about 90 percent of the country’s demand.

“The palm oil industry is definitely one that needs to be supported by the national government as well as by local government units that have palm oil industries or stakeholders in their areas,” he said.

The DA needs around P300 million for palm oil development for its 2027 budget, which Tiu Laurel said was not included in the agency’s original National Expenditure Program.

He added that the agency needs about P1 billion annually for five years to develop the palm oil industry.

Further expansion of the country’s palm oil production could eventually help develop a source for food and industrial applications, as well as a potential feedstock for biofuels.

The DA is also seeking reforms on how the industry is governed.

Tiu Laurel said the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) should have a dedicated deputy administrator and specialized teams to oversee palm oil and coconut development.

“What is important is that we can build an agency or organize the PCA not just as a coconut authority, but to have a deputy administrator specifically for palm oil and coconut so they have their own teams,” he added.

He said a more clearly defined structure could help the industry move faster and give the attached agency more specific functions.

Earlier, the DA and the Department of Energy said that they are looking to increase the country’s bioethanol production by using cheaper and diversified feedstock.

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/09/11/2555363/300000-hectares-eyed-boost-palm-oil-production