Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative will follow a demand-driven, market-enabled strategy, complementing conventional farming with protected cultivation systems (PCS).
“This is the essence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s vision—a modern, climate-resilient, tech-powered agriculture sector that truly supports our farmers while ensuring food security for every Filipino,” Tiu Laurel said.
Food corridors for stable supply
The plan includes new food corridors near urban markets, equipped with greenhouses, refrigerated storage, and better post-harvest systems. These hubs aim to stabilize vegetable supply, extend shelf life, and reduce losses—helping curb inflationary spikes tied to disrupted food chains.
“We cannot afford to rely on good weather anymore. Protected cultivation is no longer optional—it’s a necessity,” Tiu Laurel said, noting that storms and floods in August damaged crops and drove up prices.
Boosting local producers, cutting imports
In 2024, the Philippines imported $461.8 million worth of processed vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other plant products. The agricultural trade deficit stood at $11.71 billion. Cutting even 10 percent of that gap could redirect P60 billion back into the hands of Filipino farmers.
To kick-start the effort, Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero has ordered an inventory of DA-funded greenhouses from previous programs to identify those that can be rehabilitated.
Inspired by South Korea’s success
The “White Revolution” name takes after the white plastic films used in greenhouses, mulch, and tunnels—technologies that transformed vegetable farming in South Korea between the 1970s and 1990s.
The DA expects procurement for new infrastructure and equipment to begin by late 2025, with the first food corridors operational in the second half of next year. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
