MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called for closer integration between the Philippines’ hydropower and agriculture strategies, highlighting the potential for water-based energy projects to simultaneously boost food security, rural development, and renewable energy goals.

Speaking at the 3rd Philippine Hydro Summit & Exhibition, Tiu Laurel said the country cannot meet its target of 35% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040 without accelerating hydropower development, from run-of-river systems to pumped-storage and micro-hydro installations.

He emphasized that energy and agriculture are deeply interconnected, noting that irrigation systems, cold storage, fish landing sites, and food-processing facilities rely on stable, affordable electricity. Hydropower, he said, can anchor a “clean-energy countryside” where rural electrification and agricultural productivity advance together.

Tiu Laurel outlined key synergies: co-locating hydropower with irrigation networks, powering rural microgrids, strengthening agri-value chains through reliable electricity, and enhancing watershed protection to support both farm yields and long-term hydropower viability.

Acknowledging challenges such as long permitting timelines, financing barriers, environmental safeguards, and overlapping agency mandates, he stressed that sustainable hydropower must deliver real benefits to farmers and host communities, not just developers.

To advance integration, the Department of Agriculture committed to:

1. Mapping irrigation and water assets suitable for hydropower;
2. Supporting agro-industrial zones powered by renewable energy;
3. Ensuring farmer participation and fair benefit-sharing;
4. Improving coordination between agriculture and energy agencies;
5. Advocating a unified national policy linking food, water, and energy security.

Tiu Laurel said these efforts reflect a broader strategy to use renewable energy as a foundation for the rural economy, urging collaboration among government, developers, and communities.