Manila, March 3 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring ways to mitigate the potential impact of oil shocks on the country's food systems amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. warned that prolonged tension could quickly affect the country's agriculture sector through adjustments on fuel and fertilizer prices, as well as freight costs.

"We have seen this during past oil shocks, and we are now looking at ways to manage the impact on our food systems and on the country's food security," he said.

The DA assured it is closely monitoring the development in the Gulf region, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz where a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes....