CEBU CITY — The Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7) has confirmed that the region possesses sufficient supplies of essential food commodities. Rice, pork, chicken, and eggs are expected to last through December 2026, ensuring local food security despite the looming threat of a stronger El Niño.
Securing the Region's Food Basket
In 2025, the region produced about 248,000 metric tons of rice, primarily from Bohol. However, this covers only a portion of the annual 530,000-metric-ton demand, with imports from Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar bridging the gap to stabilize local markets.
DA-7 is actively consolidating tourist arrival data to ensure food security during the holiday season. These figures compare local production with local demand, preparing for an influx of visitors that could strain current reserves and require additional supply chain adjustments.
To further secure the agricultural sector, the agency is positioning buffer stocks of seeds and fertilizers. Deliveries of livestock biologics, vitamins, and greenhouse production support are ongoing to sustain farmers and ensure continuous local food production throughout the year.
Combating ASF and Stabilizing Pork Supply
Despite a previous supply dip due to African Swine Fever, local pork production remains at 120 percent sufficiency. Commercial farms with strict biosecurity protocols are maintaining the supply, even as backyard raisers face heavier impacts from the persistent animal disease.
Authorities are enforcing strict border controls to prevent hogs from leaving red zones in 14 Cebu local government units. Additionally, the first ASF vaccine has been cleared for commercial sale, with regional rollout potentially starting in early 2027 once guidelines are finalized.
The region's main pork supply relies heavily on commercial farms rather than backyard raisers. Local governments play a crucial role in monitoring and enforcing quarantine measures at ports to keep the virus contained and protect the broader agricultural industry.
P20 Rice and Fuel Subsidies
To support vulnerable sectors, the Kadiwa program continues to offer P20 rice through accredited cooperatives like the Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Beneficiaries can purchase up to 30 kilograms per month to alleviate household expenses.
The P20 rice program has expanded its scope from vulnerable groups to include farmers, fisherfolk, and transport workers. The agency aims to reach 15 million households nationwide by the end of the year, maximizing food affordability across all regions.
Meanwhile, the Fuel Assistance for Farmers Program is supporting agricultural workers who utilize machinery. The agency targets to distribute P5,000 subsidies to 7,422 farmers across the region this year, expanding coverage to all commodities beyond rice and corn.
Cloud Seeding and El Niño Mitigation
In preparation for a potentially stronger El Niño, DA-7 is procuring P4 million worth of cloud seeding operations. This vital intervention aims to protect approximately 116,000 farmers and 32,000 hectares of agricultural land across the region from severe drought.
To speed up potential damage reporting, DA-7 has trained local government units on an online reporting system. Cold storage facilities in Bohol and a corn warehouse in Cebu are also fully stocked to sustain agricultural operations during emergencies and natural disasters.
A P40 million recovery plan for irrigation equipment has been proposed, with distribution targeted for early 2027. The agency is also encouraging households to grow vegetables such as okra and tomatoes in backyards to supplement local food supply.
