The Benguet provincial government attributes a 5% economic growth rate in 2024 to local farmers adopting good agricultural practices, which have bolstered the agriculture sector as the province’s primary economic driver. Alberto Cuilan Jr., officer-in-charge of the provincial planning and development department, stated in a Wednesday interview, “Benguet’s economy has remained dependent on agriculture as its main economic driver.” He highlighted expansions in agricultural support, including demonstration farms, training facilities, and GAP certification for over 400 farms.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) notes that shifting to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) reduces production costs through efficient use of fertilizers, pesticides, and fruit-boosting products. GAP certification provides a competitive edge, allowing farmers to secure higher prices from institutional buyers and ensure market access for their harvests. It also encourages farmers to consolidate produce to meet demand, while promoting cost savings and healthier outputs by minimizing chemical use.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority in the Cordillera Administrative Region (PSA-CAR), agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) contributed 15.5% to the region’s gross domestic product in 2024, with Benguet recording the highest growth at 8.1% from the previous year. Benguet accounts for 48% of the region’s AFF, followed by Kalinga at 12.65%, Ifugao at 11.12%, Abra at 9.51%, Apayao at 7.92%, Mountain Province at 7.53%, and Baguio City at 3.26%.
Cuilan added that improved infrastructure, such as the construction of farm access roads totaling 1,179 kilometers across Benguet’s 13 municipalities, has enhanced production and market delivery by linking farms to provincial roads.