Philippines uses AI and satellites to strengthen food security

The Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Statistics Authority are partnering to use AI and satellite technology to improve agricultural data collection, strengthen national food security and support more informed policymaking. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that enhanced data sharing between the two agencies would enable policymakers to make more informed decisions on food production, logistics and supply.

The Philippine Statistics Authority has begun piloting AI and satellite imagery to estimate crop production, building on approaches already used in several countries. National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the technology would become more accurate as the Department of Agriculture expands field verification to validate satellite-generated data. The agencies also agreed to broaden the use of digital technologies in agricultural statistics and strengthen the capacity of local government units.

Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel also renewed calls to rebuild the department’s network of agricultural extension workers, describing them as its missing ‘boots on the ground’. Expanding the field workforce would support near real-time data collection, improve production forecasts and enable faster responses to challenges affecting farmers and fisherfolk. He also welcomed this year’s national census, saying updated population data would improve food demand forecasting.

The partnership aims to shift the Department of Agriculture from reactive to proactive food security management. Updated agricultural and population data will help the government better estimate future food demand, refine production targets and improve budget planning. According to Tiu Laurel, data should help policymakers anticipate future challenges rather than simply document past events in the Philippines.

Why does it matter?

The initiative illustrates how AI and Earth observation technologies are becoming practical tools for agricultural governance. More timely and accurate data can help governments improve production planning, respond more quickly to climate-related disruptions and strengthen long-term food security.

The partnership also highlights that digital transformation depends on both technology and institutional capacity. By combining AI, satellite imagery and field verification through agricultural extension workers, the Philippines is seeking to build a more reliable and responsive agricultural information system that could serve as a model for other countries facing similar food security challenges.

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