Palawan

​Palawan’s agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of its economy, reflecting both its vast natural resources and the resilience of its farming communities. In 2023, the province’s economy grew by 1.5%, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing contributing significantly to this growth. Palawan boasts the highest number of farms in the MIMAROPA region, with approximately 69,800 farms covering around 225,900 hectares. The province’s agricultural landscape is diverse, producing staples such as rice and corn, as well as high-value crops like coconut, cashew, mango, and calamansi. In 2020, Palawan accounted for 54% of MIMAROPA’s total agri-fishery production value, amounting to ₱35.72 billion, underscoring its pivotal role in the region’s food security. 

Palawan’s fisheries sector remains a vital component of its economy and food security, demonstrating both growth and challenges in recent years. In the third quarter of 2024, the province’s total fisheries production reached approximately 88,542 metric tons, marking a 6.3% increase from the same period in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by significant gains in the aquaculture and commercial fisheries subsectors. Aquaculture emerged as the dominant contributor, accounting for 61.26% of the total production with 54,237.81 metric tons—a 13.0% increase from the previous year. Commercial fisheries also experienced a substantial boost, rising by 55.1% to 3,363.75 metric tons.

The Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program has been actively implemented in Palawan, focusing on uplifting marginalized farming and fishing communities through various livelihood projects and capacity-building initiatives.​

One notable project is the ₱2.6 million egg production initiative, which provided 290 ready-to-lay chickens, 10 chicken cages, 150 bags of feed, and veterinary supplies to three farmer associations, the local community has warmly received this initiative, recognizing its potential to reduce dependence on egg imports from Iloilo and Manila and to make locally-produced eggs more affordable. By sustaining the local egg supply, the project aims not only to lower prices for consumers but also to improve the economic standing of the farmers and their communities.

Overall, the DA-SAAD Program in Palawan has significantly contributed to improving the livelihoods of marginalized communities by providing essential resources, training, and support for sustainable agricultural and fisheries development.