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THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is planning the construction of a urea plant on Semirara Island in Antique, using coal as the feedstock for processing into fertilizer.

It would be the Philippines’ first urea facility if the plans are realized.

The project is expected to boost fertilizer security as global prices remain elevated due to high fuel costs and supply disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Roger V. Navarro said the proposal has the President’s support.

“The government is planning to construct a manufacturing plant for fertilizer. This has been approved by the President during one of the cabinet meetings, and we are  seeking funding for the study,” he said at a briefing on Tuesday.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel V. de Mesa said the DA is applying for a $1-million project preparation grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund technical and financial feasibility studies.

“We will be working with the ADB,” he said. “We have submitted the draft terms of reference, and are expecting the approval of the grant, which is about $1 million.”

Mr. De Mesa said the project preparation grant is expected to be approved within two weeks.

Mr. Navarro said the feasibility study is targeted for completion by August or September, and if timelines hold, construction could begin by year’s end.

“We can break ground by maybe November or December and by 2027 we’ll be able to put up our own urea fertilizer plant,” he said.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. is set to visit Brunei this week to discuss possible fertilizer supply arrangements, Mr. Navarro said.

He said the talks are part of regional coordination which seeks to improve cooperation on fertilizer supply within Southeast Asia. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

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