With the shared effort in achieving food security and supporting sustainable livelihoods for local farmers and communities, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA RFO 02), through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), distributed over ₱10 million worth of agricultural interventions to 12 Farmers and Cooperative Associations (FCAs) across the Cagayan Valley Region, this effort, aligned with the Farmers’ and Fisherfolks Month celebration. In line with this, a technical briefing and distribution activity in support of the highland and lowland vegetables industry for fiscal year 2025, a regular HVCDP Project was held on May 14 and 15, 2025, at the DA Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station (NVES) in Villaros, Tapaya, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, and the Cagayan Valley Research Center (CVRC) in San Felipe, City of Ilagan, Isabela.

The event was attended by personnel from DA RFO 02, including representatives from NVES, CVRC, HVCDP, the Department of Agriculture Regional Crop Protection Center Region 2 (DA-RCPC 2), the Regulatory Division, and the Research and Center Experiment Stations (RCES), along with staff from various Municipal Agricultural Offices, Provincial Agriculture Offices, and a private seed company.

In Nueva Vizcaya, seven FCAs received agricultural inputs amounting to a total of ₱5,750,896. The I-Wak Ancestral Domain Development Association was given 50 kilograms of highland vegetable seeds, 1,200 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 24 liters of liquid fertilizer worth ₱754,760.

The Alfonso Castañeda Vegetable Growers Association received the same package valued at ₱754,760. The Sanguit Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative was given 49 kilograms of highland vegetable seeds, 905.6 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 20 liters of liquid fertilizer, totaling ₱601,380.

The Catalidonan Indigenous People Irrigation Association received 32.37 kilograms of lowland vegetable seeds, 647.35 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 20 liters of liquid fertilizer, amounting to ₱486,110.

The Gardeners Association of Yaway was granted 13.63 kilograms of highland vegetable seeds, 505.06 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 16 liters of liquid fertilizer worth ₱208,652.

The Pampang Irrigators and Farmers Association received 13.63 kilograms of highland vegetable seeds, 452.53 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 15 liters of liquid fertilizer, valued at ₱224,130.

Lastly, the Acacia Highland Farmers Association was provided with 60 kilograms of highland vegetable seeds, 1,600 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 35 liters of liquid fertilizer worth ₱923,420.

In Cagayan, Isabela, and Quirino, five FCAs received interventions totaling ₱5,119,550. These included the Jose Ancheta Home of Vegetables and Fruit Farmers Association, which was given 50 kilograms of lowland vegetable seeds, 1,000 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 20 liters of liquid fertilizer amounting to ₱708,990.

The Bical-Baliuag Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative received 35 kilograms of lowland vegetable seeds, 850 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 17 liters of liquid fertilizer worth ₱510,250.

The Pinopoc Vegetable Growers Association received the same volume of interventions and value as Jose Ancheta.

The Aurora Vegetable Growers Association received 50 kilograms of lowland vegetable seeds, 1,700 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 30 liters of liquid fertilizer, totaling ₱755,550.

The City of Ilagan Vegetable Growers Association received the highest share, with 80 kilograms of lowland vegetable seeds, 2,300 kilograms of inorganic fertilizer, and 50 liters of liquid fertilizer worth ₱1,194,500.

Among the distributed vegetable seeds were Snap Beans (Barak) in packs, Conical Pepper (Sultan) in cans, Hot Pepper (Pinatubo) in cans, Tomato (Avatar) in cans, and Cauliflower (Albarich) in packs.

The event was graced by Mr. Jonathan Argonia, Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO), and Mr. Arsenio Apostol Jr., NVES Manager, who both acknowledged the participating farmers and agencies. Mr. Absolom Rizal Baysa, Provincial Agriculturist of Nueva Vizcaya, also delivered an opening message. Representing CVRC Station Manager Engr. Rolando Pedro, DA-CVRC R4D Focal Person and Senior Science Research Specialist, Mr. Roynic Y. Aquino, shared opening remarks, followed by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist of Isabela, Mr. Sergio Galamgam, who also gave an inspirational message.

Ms. Carol P. Albay, HVCDP Focal Person, presented an overview titled “DA-HVCDP Programs, Activities, and Projects in Support of the Vegetable Industry.” The technical briefing also included a discussion on Good Agricultural Practices for fruit and vegetable production by Mr. Raymark Calderon, Agriculturist II of DA RFO 02 Regulatory Division. Ms. Minda Flor Aquino, Chief of RCPC, and Mr. Cenon Mallillin shared essential knowledge on pests and disease management. Lastly, the presentation on Nutri Vant Inorganic Fertilizer Application was delivered by Mike Serafica and Jun Ramil of Allied Botanical, followed by a message of commitment by Mr. Zaldy Agustin, ALCAVEGA President.

This activity is in support of the vegetable industry and celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolks Month, through the leadership of Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino and with the strong support through its HVCDP, has consistently worked toward boosting the production, processing, marketing, and distribution crops, which are essential not only to our agricultural economy but to the health and well-being of every Filipino.

Via Paul Buenavista

Photos by Erwin Cachero