NEDA Highlights Competition Policy’s Role in Boosting Agricultural Resilience

At the 2025 Manila Forum on Competition in Developing Countries, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the critical role of competition policy in enhancing the efficiency and resilience of the agriculture sector. Speaking on February 5, Balisacan highlighted how competition enforcement and related policy tools are vital for advancing agricultural development in developing economies, especially under the current challenging conditions. He stressed that fostering a competitive environment in agriculture is essential for achieving food security and promoting inclusive growth. Balisacan advocated for the use of antitrust measures alongside strategies to tackle structural issues affecting the sector, suggesting that pro-competitive laws and policies could protect both consumers and producers from unfair practices. He also pointed out the government’s initiatives to combat food inflation, such as reducing rice tariffs and eliminating non-tariff barriers to boost local food supplies. Balisacan concluded by urging a collective effort to create fairer markets and enhance the role of competition in agriculture to ensure food security and shared prosperity. The forum, hosted by the Philippine Competition Commission, served as a platform for policymakers and experts to discuss effective competition policies for developing economies, focusing on improving supply chain efficiencies, preventing market distortions, and ensuring equitable pricing. Balisacan underscored the importance of a robust agricultural sector in the broader food system, which is crucial for national food security and supports the economic transition from agriculture to industry and services.