Siquijor

The agricultural sector in Siquijor shows a mixed performance, with some areas of growth and others requiring attention. As of January 2023, the total livestock inventory increased by 3.39 percent compared to the previous year, driven by increases in hog and cattle inventories. Poultry inventory, however, saw a slight decrease of 0.14 percent, although broiler chicken populations significantly surged by 360.73 percent. In terms of crops, while older data (2017) indicated growth in fruits, non-food and industrial crops, and vegetables and root crops, more recent comprehensive data for 2023/2024 for all crops was not readily available. The Department of Agriculture is actively involved, as evidenced by the rollout of the P20 Rice Program in Siquijor in June 2025, a national initiative aimed at making rice more affordable, especially in remote areas.

The fisheries sector in Siquijor showed a slight increase in overall production in the second quarter of 2022, reaching 1,244.02 metric tons, up 0.97 percent from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by the municipal fisheries sector, which accounted for almost all of the total volume. However, aquaculture experienced a decline of 19.30 percent during the same period. While marine municipal fisheries dominate the sector, there have been some positive developments in specific aquaculture areas like seaweed production, which increased significantly. Despite fluctuations in specific sub-sectors, the fisheries sector remains crucial for the livelihoods of Siquijor’s coastal communities, and efforts are ongoing to enhance its productivity and sustainability.

The DA (Department of Agriculture) SAAD (Special Area for Agricultural Development) program plays a crucial role in Siquijor, focusing on poverty reduction and improving the living conditions of vulnerable farmers and fisherfolk. Siquijor is part of SAAD Phase 2, which targets 5th and 6th class municipalities with high poverty incidence. The program provides various forms of assistance, including agricultural and fishery livelihood projects, as well as capacity-building training. For instance, farmers’ groups in Siquijor have undergone livelihood training from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), which complements SAAD’s objectives by improving knowledge in agricultural enterprises and farming practices. The overall goal is to equip beneficiaries with the resources and skills needed to establish sustainable community-based enterprises and enhance food security.