The Department of Agriculture (DA) is strengthening its partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority to sharpen agricultural data collection. Both agencies looking to harness satellite technology and artificial intelligence to improve food production planning and strengthen the country’s food security.

Following a meeting between DA and PSA officials, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said better data sharing will allow policymakers to make more precise decisions on production, logistics, and food supply while ensuring government resources are directed where they are needed most.

Economic Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said closer collaboration between the two agencies is essential because agriculture and fisheries remain vital drivers of economic growth, employment, and national food supply.

The agencies also agreed to deepen the use of technology in agricultural statistics. Mapa said the PSA is already piloting the use of satellite imagery and AI to estimate crop production, techniques that have been adopted in several other countries. ### (Photos by Darrel Gultia)