WITH the El Niño dry spell on the horizon, PMFTC Inc. continued to step up its act, purchasing most of locally produced tobacco for a third-straight year while also providing a safety net for local farmers.
Heeding the government’s call to support the agricultural sector ahead of a challenging cropping season, the local affiliate of Philip Morris International acquired 8.297 million kilograms of Philippine tobacco in 2025, representing a whopping 69 percent of the 12.1 million kg delivered to local manufacturers.
‘We remain committed to support the livelihood of thousands of Filipino tobacco farmers in the country. We recognize the vital role that tobacco farmers play in our supply chain and in the communities where they operate. As the leading leaf buyer, we remain committed to contribute to the growth of the Philippine agriculture sector and generate economic activity for the country.’ said PMFTC President Zhenya Ivanov.
PMFTC’s latest numbers represent a three-year rise for the tobacco giant’s investment in the local industry. Back in 2023, the company purchased 7.189 million kg of homegrown tobacco, which was about 56 percent of the 12.734 million kg delivered to manufacturers, and then 7.495 million kg of the 11.9 million kg the following year for continued leadership of the industry.
The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) president and chief executive officer, Belinda Sanchez, hailed the private sector’s role in ensuring the country is ready for the challenges a tough farming season would bring.
‘Tobacco remains an important cash crop for thousands of Filipino farmers and their families. We welcome PMFTC’s continued support for the industry, having purchased the majority of the country’s locally produced tobacco leaf over the past three years,’ she said.
‘This provides our growers with a stable and reliable market for their harvests. We thank PMFTC for its continued support of the Philippine tobacco industry and our tobacco farming communities,’ Sanchez added.
The NTA has continued to urge tobacco farmers to participate in contract-growing arrangements, saying these provide growers with a guaranteed market, technical assistance and production support while helping ensure a stable supply of quality tobacco leaf for buyers.
PMFTC said it intends to continue working closely with tobacco farmers, trading partners and government agencies to strengthen the local tobacco value chain.
‘Philippine tobacco farming depends on strong partnerships across the value chain,’ Ivanov said. ‘We will continue investing in long-term relationships with local growers to help ensure that Philippine tobacco remains competitive both locally and internationally.’