Quezon

The agricultural sector in Quezon province is a significant pillar of its economy, characterized by its vast agricultural land area, which constitutes a substantial portion of the province’s total land. Quezon holds the distinction of being the top coconut-producing province in the Philippines, with an extensive area dedicated to coconut plantations and a remarkable volume of coconut production annually. Copra making stands out as a major income-generating activity for many in the province. Recognizing the price volatility of copra, the government has been encouraging farmers to adopt intercropping and multi-storey cropping systems to diversify their income sources. Rice is another crucial crop in Quezon, with a considerable area under cultivation and a significant production volume. The province also cultivates a variety of other crops, including corn, banana, coffee, sweet potato, pineapple, citrus fruits, and vegetables. In terms of livestock, cattle, carabao, and swine are prominent, benefiting from the suitable grazing lands. Carabao remains a vital draft animal for many farmers, while cattle are primarily raised for meat, and the swine and poultry industries are showing growth, including egg production. Backyard raising of livestock and poultry is also widespread, serving both household consumption and as supplementary income.

The fisheries sector in Quezon province is a vital component of its economy, given its extensive coastline and numerous island communities that heavily rely on marine resources for their livelihoods. However, recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicates a significant downturn in the sector’s performance. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the total volume of fisheries production in Quezon was estimated at 9,944.77 metric tons, marking a substantial decrease of 29.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022. This decline was observed across all sub-sectors, with commercial fisheries experiencing the most significant drop at 50.4 percent, followed by municipal fisheries at 43.4 percent, and aquaculture at 12.4 percent.

The Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program has been actively implemented in Quezon Province, particularly in municipalities such as Alabat, Perez, and Quezon. This initiative aims to uplift marginalized farming communities by providing comprehensive support in agriculture and fisheries. In these areas, the SAAD Program has introduced various livelihood projects, including the distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and farming tools to enhance crop production. Additionally, training sessions on sustainable farming practices and value-added processing have been conducted to equip farmers with the necessary skills to improve their productivity and income. These efforts are complemented by the establishment of community-based enterprises, enabling farmers to process and market their products effectively.