Laguna

The agricultural sector in Laguna, while facing pressures from industrialization and urbanization common in provinces near Metro Manila, remains a significant economic activity. The province boasts a total agricultural land area of over 50,000 hectares and is recognized as a top producer of lowland vegetables in the CALABARZON Region. However, despite this strength, Laguna experiences deficits in the production of some basic food items, notably rice and lowland vegetables, indicating a reliance on supply from other regions. The sector supports a substantial number of farmers and fisherfolk. Challenges include the susceptibility of agricultural lands to flooding and rain-induced landslides, as well as the aging demographic of farmers with many operating small-scale farmlands. Land conversion for residential and industrial purposes also poses a continuous threat to the agricultural land area. Nevertheless, the provincial government is actively involved in supporting the sector through various programs, including infrastructure development like farm-to-market roads and irrigation, provision of post-harvest facilities, and promotion of modern and sustainable agricultural techniques.

The fisheries sector in Laguna is primarily centered around Laguna de Bay, the largest inland lake in the Philippines, providing a crucial source of livelihood for many communities. However, the sector faces significant and multifaceted challenges. Over the years, fish production in the lake has reportedly declined due to environmental stressors such as pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources, leading to water quality degradation and impacting fish stocks. The operation of hydraulic control structures has also altered the lake’s natural dynamics, affecting its productivity. Furthermore, issues of equitable access to fishing resources persist, with concerns raised about larger operators potentially dominating production over small-scale fishermen. The proliferation of fish pens and cages, while contributing to aquaculture output, has also been linked to environmental problems and conflicts with traditional fishing practices. Despite these challenges, both the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the Department of Agriculture have been exploring strategies for the sustainable management and revival of Laguna de Bay as a major food source, emphasizing the need for rational aquaculture practices, regular ecological monitoring, and efforts to address pollution to ensure the long-term viability of the fisheries sector and the livelihoods it supports.

The Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Project is actively working in Laguna, as evidenced by the ongoing Phase 2 activities in 2025. A key focus of the current program is the Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Training Series, running from March to June 2025, which aims to equip beneficiaries with the skills needed to develop sustainable agricultural enterprises. Logistical support, including venue arrangements and transportation for participants, is being provided to facilitate these training sessions. This emphasis on enterprise development aligns with the broader goals of the SAAD program, which seeks to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods for marginalized farmers and fisherfolk by creating sustainable economic opportunities. The program’s approach, likely incorporating social preparation methods like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) as seen in other CALABARZON areas, ensures that interventions are tailored to the specific needs and resources of the communities in Laguna.