Manila, June 16 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday expressed optimism that the expected reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will lower agricultural production and transport costs.

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the peace agreement between the United States and Iran comes just in time for the country's planting season for palay (unhusked rice).

"The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will greatly help reduce the cost of inputs in the production and transport of agricultural commodities, especially now as we prepare for a new rice planting season," he said.

With the expected reopening, the possible worst-case scenario for local palay production due to a prolonged closure of the strategic waterway w...