To lessen the farmers' dependence on expensive and imported petroleum-based fertilizers, President Ferdinand Marcos announced that his administration would introduce the use of biofertilizers.

On Tuesday, he presided over a sectoral meeting with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other relevant agencies at Malacaang Palace in Manila.

Marcos said in a video message released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Wednesday that farmers would be trained on how to use biofertilizers.

Biofertilizers are organic fertilizers made up of living microorganisms. Its use promotes plant growth by increasing the nutrient supply in soils.

Due to the high cost of common fertilizers and concerns about their availability, Marcos said biofertilizers would be used as an alternative.

He stated that DA biofertilizer trials have yielded "promising" results.

However, Marcos clarified that farmers could continue to use non-organic and petroleum-based fertilizers, particularly urea.

To recall, Marcos' state visit to China in January resulted in the signing of business agreements with Chinese producers to lower fertilizer prices, a critical component of his administration's effort to assist farmers and ensure food security.

Two Chinese fertilizer manufacturing companies signed a collaboration agreement with the Philippine International Trading Corp., which was expected to ensure a steady supply of fertilizers at reasonable prices.