ORION, Bataan – Planters Products Inc. (PPI), the agro-chemical trading and marketing arm in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), has officially returned to the fertilizer business after more than four decades by importing 120,000 bags of 14-14-14 inorganic fertilizer from Vietnam.

The fertilizer, which arrived at the Orion Dockyard in Bataan, aims to help lower production costs for farmers and improve rice yields ahead of the upcoming planting season. The 14-14-14 blend—containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—is designed to boost leaf growth, root development, grain formation, and resistance to pests and diseases.

The reception ceremony was led by PPI President and CEO Ma. Zenaida B. Angpin and Chief Operating Officer Roberto Ram V. Antonio, with Bureau of Customs District Collector Blesilda Balagtas and DA Regional Technical Director Irene Adion of Region 3 in attendance.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. lauded PPI’s initiative, saying it supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of a food-secure and modernized agricultural sector.

“This initiative by PPI is fully aligned with the goal of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a food-secure Philippines and a modernized agricultural sector that delivers better income for Filipino farmers,” Laurel said.

“At six bags per hectare, this initial volume can support about 20,000 hectares of rice fields and benefit some 20,000 farmers across the country,” he added.

PPI COO Antonio said the company’s return to the fertilizer market after a 43-year absence reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to serving farmers.

“This revival reaffirms PPI’s legacy of providing affordable, high-quality fertilizers and farm inputs that help ensure food security and agricultural growth. Under the leadership of Secretary Tiu Laurel, PPI is once again a steadfast partner in nation-building and farmer empowerment,” Antonio said.

PPI last imported fertilizer in 1982. Its re-entry marks a new chapter in supporting Philippine agriculture through higher crop productivity, sustainable soil management, and enhanced food security.

The company said it is exploring future partnerships to ensure long-term supply and affordability of farm inputs vital to achieving the country’s rice sufficiency goals.