BOHOL — Agricultural technicians and provincial leaders gathered for the quarterly High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) meeting to sharpen strategies that directly connect Boholano farmers to consumers. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VII led the coordination effort.
Strengthening the KADIWA Direct-Marketing Network
A central focus of the meeting was the expansion of the KADIWA program, a government initiative that eliminates middlemen to ensure farmers earn full value for their produce. Engr. Ricardo Oblena, Executive Assistant, urged local government units to identify and promote their priority commodities through three key outlets. These channels—KADIWA sa Kapitolyo, KADIWA sa Plaza, and KADIWA sa Bellemar—give growers a stable, predictable market.
The program benefits both producers and consumers. Farmers receive fair prices for their harvests, while households gain access to fresh, affordable vegetables. By institutionalizing these direct-sale platforms, the province is building a resilient food supply chain that insulates communities from price shocks and supply disruptions.
Scaling the Vegetable Corridor for Growth
Dr. Larry M. Pamugas, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist, emphasized the ongoing expansion of Bohol’s Vegetable Corridor, a strategic initiative that groups municipalities into commercial production hubs. This zoning approach ensures a steady, high-volume supply of lowland and highland vegetables year-round. Mr. Ralph Christian Menorias of the OPA-HVCDP section reported on the province’s continuous seed distribution and capacity-building activities that support this corridor.
The corridor model creates clusters of expertise and infrastructure, making it easier for farmers to access technical assistance and for buyers to source consistent volumes. As the corridor grows, it attracts ancillary enterprises such as logistics providers and processors, further strengthening the local agricultural economy.
Expanding Ubi Production with Data-Driven Planning
The purple yam, or ubi, remains one of Bohol’s flagship high-value crops. DA RFO VII APCO Mr. Roman D. Dabalos requested updated data on planted and potential expansion areas for ubi to support program planning. This data-driven approach ensures that government assistance reaches the areas with the highest growth potential.
The DA RFO VII also reaffirmed its commitment to the Gulayan sa Bayan Program, which distributes quality seeds and garden inputs to increase vegetable production. The combination of targeted ubi expansion and broad vegetable support aims to diversify farm incomes and strengthen the province’s overall food security.
