This discussion paper explores the critical but often overlooked role of Barangay Agricultural Extension Workers (BAEWs) in addressing food insecurity in the Philippines. Despite being an agricultural country, the Philippines continues to import key food staples, with rice being the most significant. Structural challenges such as low productivity, climate vulnerability, limited access to modern farming technologies, and underfunded agricultural support systems continue to hamper self-sufficiency.
The 2023–2028 Philippine Development Plan (PDP), aligned with AmBisyon Natin 2040 and mandated under Executive Order No. 14, identifies agriculture and food security as development priorities. However, national strategies often fall short at the community level due to the lack of localized extension services.
BAEWs can bridge this gap by delivering timely and localized agricultural support, facilitating access to government programs, and promoting sustainable and climateresilient practices. The institutionalization and empowerment of BAEWs is a vital policy intervention that can significantly strengthen the country’s food systems from the ground up.