Manila, March 11 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said it has imposed about PHP81 million in penalties for delayed deliveries of farm inputs and slow implementation of government funded projects that disrupted key agricultural programs in 2025.

The sanctions were compiled by the agency's regional field offices following a directive issued on Feb. 18 by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. for them to submit a detailed accounting of liquidated damages linked to violations of supply and infrastructure contracts.

The submissions revealed a recurring pattern of late deliveries of fertilizers, seeds, farm equipment and construction materials, as well as delays in building agricultural facilities and irrigation wor...