Quezon City – With a renewed focus on Filipino farming excellence, nutrition, and innovation, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through its High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), convened the 2025 High-Value Crops Week on April 7, 2025 held at the BSWM Convention Hall along Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, this year’s celebration was themed “Pagkaing Sapat, Masustansya Dapat” and coincided with Filipino Food Month. The event serves as a reminder of the vital role of high-value crops in ensuring food security, promoting nutrition, and supporting the growth of the agricultural sector.

The DA, through its High-Value Crops Development Program, 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. This year’s High-Value Crops Week highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to achieving food security and supporting sustainable livelihoods for local farmers and communities. The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the DA Central Lobby, followed by the opening of the 2025 High-Value Crops Week Exhibit, which showcased the rich diversity and importance of high-value crops in the Philippines.

Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Alfonso N. Atayde delivered the welcome remarks. In his speech, Asec. Atayde emphasized the importance of ensuring accessibility to sufficient and nutritious food for all. He shared that the Department of Agriculture remains steadfast in its commitment to building a strong and resilient food system—one that effectively addresses the nation’s food security and nutrition challenges.

He highlighted the pivotal role of the High-Value Crops Development Program, which continues to provide opportunities for farmers to improve their income through diversified farming practices and increased production rates.

“To ensure the stability of our food supply nationwide, we are continuously enhancing food hubs to provide better market access,” Asec. Atayde said. “We have constructed and turned over storage facilities, processing centers, and distribution hubs that are strategically located to meet the needs of our farmers.”

He further encouraged farmers and stakeholders to strengthen their collaboration in building sustainable food systems and improving market connectivity. “Let us take this opportunity to explore the various programs, exhibits, and discussions lined up throughout High-Value Crops Week,” he added.

Delivering the opening remarks was Atty. Joycel R. Panlilio, Assistant Secretary for High Value Crops, Sagip Saka, and Intellectual Property. In her message, she emphasized that the event is a celebration of innovation, nutrition, and the excellence of Filipino farming.

She highlighted the achievements of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) since its launch in 2021, particularly in commemorating the implementation of Republic Act 7900, also known as the High Value Crops Development Act of 1995. This landmark legislation laid the groundwork for empowering farmers to grow crops beyond traditional staples, supporting diversification and economic growth in the agricultural sector.

“This theme reminds us that food security is not just about availability or sufficiency,” she said. “It is also about nutrition, access, and quality.”

She pointed out that high-value crops are at the forefront of this mission—from vitamin-rich fruits and nourishing vegetables that sustain families nationwide to export crops that drive rural economies. These crops are essential not only to the nation’s health but also to its economic resilience.

Atty. Panlilio underscored a shared goal: ensuring that every Filipino has access to food that is not just sufficient, but nourishing, diverse, and proudly grown by local farmers.

She also noted that the celebration aligns with a national observance close to her heart—Filipino Food Month—declared through Proclamation No. 469, series of 2018. “I am proud to say that this proclamation was made possible through the initiative of the High Value Crops Development Program, which began advocating for it in 2016,” she added.

In a video presentation, Usec. Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, MTM, Undersecretary for High Value Crops, underscored the importance of the celebration as a moment to honor both triumphs and the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. She emphasized the need to recognize our unsung farmer heroes for their remarkable contributions, while also highlighting the fundamental human right to food—where everyone must have regular, permanent access to sufficient and appropriate food at all times.

“Today, we stand at the forefront of modernizing our agricultural sector,” Usec. Caballero stated, “as we continue to advance the development of the entire value chain of high-value crops. We are embracing smart agriculture, innovative production systems, and creative approaches to broaden our reach on the global stage.”

In her message, she also expressed full support for the vision of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., urging everyone to “create more efficient pathways towards a better, brighter, and more resilient high-value crop sector and Philippine agriculture as a whole.” She concluded with a call to action: “Let us reboot, transform, and work together to harness these opportunities for a better future.”

Director of High-Value Crops, Mr. Joseph C. Manicad, presented the accomplishments of the HVCDP and introduced the keynote speaker.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. was Undersecretary for Finance, Ms. Nora C. Oliveros, CESO III.

“As we open this High-Value Crops Week, I direct your attention to the 2025 HVC Week Exhibit,” she said. “This exhibit highlights the hard work of our farmers, researchers, and industry partners who continuously push the boundaries of agricultural excellence.”

She emphasized that the exhibit also serves as a platform to share success stories of various high-value crop projects, recognizing the individuals and organizations whose contributions have significantly advanced the sector.

“Their achievements remind us that through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment, we can transform Philippine agriculture,” she added.

Addressing the nation’s farmers, Undersecretary Oliveros reaffirmed the Department’s unwavering support.

“To our hardworking farmers—you are the backbone of our nation’s food security. Your perseverance inspires us to advocate for policies and programs that uplift your livelihood,” she said. “Rest assured, the Department of Agriculture remains steadfast in supporting you.”

She concluded her message with a call to action: “Let this event serve as a call for stronger collaboration—by embracing technology, sharing knowledge, and working together, we can build a thriving and globally competitive agricultural sector.”

A message of support from Deputy Director Atty. Lucieda G. Raz, Officer-in-Charge of the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), was read by Chief Science Research Specialist Dr. Milflor Gonzales.

Engr. Anne Glynn F. Lisbo, MTM, Deputy Director of the High Value Crops Development Program, shared inspiring success stories from various stakeholders in the high value crops sector. Her message highlighted not only the achievements but also the heart and soul behind every harvest.

“As we move to the awarding of certificates, let us not simply recognize names or numbers,” she emphasized. “Let us celebrate the spirit of service, the heart of agriculture, and the hope of every Filipino farmer. Behind every yield is a story of perseverance. Behind every certificate is a family, a community, and a dream fulfilled.”

She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the awardees: “Sa mga awardees natin ngayong araw, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong sipag, tiyaga, at dedikasyon. Ang inyong tagumpay ay tagumpay rin ng buong sektor ng agrikultura.”

Engr. Lisbo concluded her remarks with a call to action: “Together, let us keep growing, let us keep nourishing, and let us keep building our future—where every plate is full, every meal is healthy, and every farmer is valued.”

Adding a flavorful touch to the event was the food tasting activity titled “Tara, Tikman! Dehydration Bites ng High-Value Crops,” where participants sampled innovative and nutritious products derived from high-value crops, showcasing their potential for both market growth and community nutrition.

Closing the event was Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, MNSA, CESO III, Director IV of the Agricultural Training Institute.

In her message, she expressed her sincere appreciation to all who took part in the activity, stating: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone—especially to our DA officials, our farmers, and our partners from the field—who participated in and contributed to this meaningful event. High value crops are more than just commodities; they are vital to achieving food sufficiency, boosting economic growth, and promoting environmental sustainability. Sabay-sabay natin iangat ang agrikultura sa Pilipinas para sa masaganang Pilipinas.”

The 2025 High-Value Crops Week highlighted the importance of innovation, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security and supporting Filipino farmers. The event showcased the achievements of the High-Value Crops Development Program and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to strengthen the agricultural sector and build a resilient food system for the future.

Via Paul Buenavista

Photos by AFID