House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez is confident that the Laguna-based Agri Specialist Inc.’s Bio N fertilizer plant--which will mass-produce locally developed biofertilizer--will be a game-changer in local food production. 

In his message at the inauguration of the fertilizer plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on Sunday morning, March 16, Romualdez spoke of the advantages of the biofertilizer developed by Filipino scientists at the University of the Philippines Los Ban̈os (UPLB). 

He says the biofertilizer reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, improves soil health, and cuts farming costs. 

“This means: Mas murang abono para sa ating mga magsasaka. Mas maraming ani, mas mataas ang kita. Mas masustansya at mas abot-kayang pagkain para sa bawat Pilipino,” said the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives. 

(This means cheaper fertilizers for our farmers. A bigger harvest means bigger profits. Also more nutritious and more affordable food for every Filipino.) 

The plant, with its state-of-the-art bioreactors, automatic packaging systems, and microbiology research lab, will produce 7,000 metric tons of Bio N every year—enough to supply the needs of our rice and corn farmers nationwide. 

“This plant represents more than just production capacity—it represents hope, opportunity, and independence,” Romualdez said. 

He noted that for too long, Filipino farmers have been burdened by the rising costs of imported fertilizers, which left left the country’s food security at the mercy of price fluctuations in the world market. 

“Every sack of rice, every ear of corn, every vegetable on our tables comes from the sweat and sacrifice of our farmers. But if they are struggling with high costs and low yields, we all feel the impact," he said. 

Romualdez highlighted the biofertilizer initiative as a product of the ingenuity and hard work of Filipinos. “One of the most important things about this initiative is that it is 100 percent proudly Filipino," he said. 

He noted that the inauguration of the BIO N plant was the culmination of decades of research and innovation by our very own scientists at UPLB. 

The Speaker said the project was proof that the private sector, the government, and local
research institutions can work together to bring real change to the lives of ordinary Filipinos. 

“To our farmers: This is for you. This is proof that we are committed to helping you thrive, not just survive," he said. 

Romualdez said the inauguration of the new BIO N fertilizer plant is a win for every Filipino. 

“This project is a bold step forward. But we cannot stop here. We must continue investing in innovation, research, and real solutions that uplift our farmers and strengthen our agriculture sector,” he said. 

He also exhorted policymakers and business leaders to invest more in agriculture saying that a strong agriculture sector means a strong economy, strong communities, and a stronger nation. 

Likewise, he appealed to all Filipinos to support the local agriculture sector. “To every Filipino: Support local. When you choose Philippine-grown rice, corn, and produce, you help our farmers, you create jobs, and you strengthen our economy,” he said.