Alcala, Cagayan – In a significant milestone for local agricultural producers, an initial 5,000 kilograms of high-quality white corn from the Alcala White Corn Growers Association in Damurog, Alcala, Cagayan was successfully delivered and sold to Nacho King, a prominent institutional buyer based in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, at ₱45.00 per kg—a price 50% higher than the prevailing local market rate of ₱30.00 per kg.

This successful market linkage was made possible through the continued coordination and support of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA-RFO 02), particularly the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino and Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extensions Dr. Roberto C. Busania, in close collaboration with the Municipal Local Government Unit of Alcala, led by Mayor Atty. Tin Antonio and OIC-Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Vincent Espejo.

The buyer confirmed that the corn delivered met the required quality specifications, affirming the capability of the association to meet institutional standards. This achievement reflects the Department of Agriculture’s ongoing commitment to empower farmer organizations by facilitating access to high-value markets, enabling improved profitability through direct partnerships with national buyers.

Looking ahead, efforts are underway to formalize a long-term supply agreement with Nacho King, scale up production, and further diversify the association’s market channels. These next steps aim to ensure sustainable income growth, enhanced competitiveness, and broader agribusiness opportunities for Alcala’s white corn farmers.

Story via Alliah Joselle Galano
Photos via: Alcala White Corn Growers’ Association, Alcala Shine, and Alli Galano