Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expresses optimism that the inauguration of Agri-Specialist Inc. (Bio N Biofertilizer Plant) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna would lead to better income for farmers and cheaper food for everyone. In his message during the event Sunday morning (March 16, 2025), Romualdez also urged policymakers and business leaders to invest more in agriculture to support local farmers to boost harvest of Philippine-grown rice and corn.
STA. ROSA, LAGUNA – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said Filipino farmers will soon benefit from higher incomes and the public from more affordable food with the opening of a new plant producing locally developed biofertilizers.
At the inauguration of Agri Specialist Inc.’s Bio N facility on Sunday, Romualdez called the event a “game changer” for Philippine agriculture.
Developed by Filipino scientists at UPLB, Bio N is a biofertilizer that reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, improves soil health and cuts farming costs.
“This means: Mas murang abono para sa ating mga magsasaka. Mas maraming ani, mas mataas ang kita. Mas masustansya at mas abot-kayang pagkain para sa bawat Pilipino,” said the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives.
He noted that for too long, our farmers have been burdened by the rising costs of imported fertilizers, leaving our country’s food security at the mercy of price fluctuations in the world market.
“Every sack of rice, every ear of corn, every vegetable on our tables comes from the sweat and sacrifice of our farmers. But if they are struggling with high costs and low yields, we all feel the impact—“sa presyo ng pagkain, sa gastusin ng pamilya, sa kabuhayan ng buong bansa.”
A VISION FOR FOOD SECURITY
Speaker Romualdez said the new fertilizer plant is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision for the country to break free from dependence on expensive imports.
“His administration has championed the Balanced Fertilization Strategy, promoting biofertilizers like Bio N to boost productivity while protecting our environment,” he noted.
“As the President said in his latest State of the Nation Address: Pinapalawak natin ang kaalaman ng ating mga magsasaka sa makabagong mga teknolohiya at pamamaraan. Isa na rito ang paggamit ng bio-fertilizers, na gawa sa Pilipinas at subok din at maaasahan. Sa balanced fertilizer strategy, gaganda ang ani ng mga magsasaka. Hindi na kailangang umasa sa mas mahal at imported na fertilizer.”
Romualdez said the new plant would empower our farmers with real choices, real solutions, and real support.
“Hindi na nila kailangang mamili sa mataas na gastos o mababang ani—dahil ngayon, may mas abot-kayang alternatibo na!”
The plant, with its state-of-the-art bioreactors, automatic packaging systems, and microbiology research lab, will produce 7,000 metric tons of Bio N every year—enough to supply the needs of our rice and corn farmers nationwide.
“This plant represents more than just production capacity—it represents hope, opportunity, and independence,” Speaker Romualdez said.
PROUDLY FILIPINO
Speaker Romualdez hailed the initiative as a product of the ingenuity and hard work of Filipinos.
“One of the most important things about this initiative is that it is 100% Proudly Filipino.”
He noted that the inauguration of the BIO N plant is the culmination of decades of research and innovation by our very own scientists at UPLB.
Speaker Romualdez added that it is proof that the private sector, the government, and our research institutions can work together to bring real change to the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“To our farmers: This is for you. This is proof that we are committed to helping you thrive, not just survive.”
BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE
“This project is a bold step forward. But we cannot stop here. We must continue investing in innovation, research, and real solutions that uplift our farmers and strengthen our agriculture sector,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He also exhorted policymakers and business leaders to invest more in agriculture saying that a strong agriculture sector means a strong economy, strong communities, and a stronger nation.
Likewise, he appealed to all Filipinos to support the local agriculture sector.
“To every Filipino: Support local. When you choose Philippine-grown rice, corn, and produce, you help our farmers, you create jobs, and you strengthen our economy.”
In concluding his message, Speaker Romualdez said the inauguration of the new BIO N fertilizer plant is a win for every Filipino.
“Ang Bio N—teknolohiyang Pilipino, gawang Pilipino, para sa Pilipino! Magsasaka ang panalo, Pilipinas ang panalo!”
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