CEBU — Governor Pamela Baricuatro has set her sights on transforming Cebu into a major corn-producing province, a vision she shared at the 19th Philippine National Corn Congress on August 13, 2026. Her plan focuses not just on expanding production but on ensuring that higher yields translate directly into better livelihoods for farmers.
A Vision for Agricultural Growth
Speaking before farmers and agricultural officials, Baricuatro described her dream of seeing more cornfields across Cebu. She emphasized that the province has the farmers, the land potential, and the market to make this vision a reality. It is a mission close to her heart, rooted in a deep commitment to food security and rural development.
The governor made it clear that her goal extends beyond simply increasing the number of corn plants. She wants those cornfields to mean more income for farming families and more opportunities for their children. This people-centered approach positions agriculture not just as an industry, but as a pathway out of poverty for rural communities.
Solving the Market Problem
A central challenge facing Cebu's farmers is the uncertainty of where to sell their produce after harvest. Baricuatro captured this struggle with a question farmers often ask: "Where will we sell this?" She stressed that it is unfair to encourage planting without providing reliable market access and post-harvest support.
To address this, the provincial government is developing a Mega Food Hub. This facility will provide farmers with essential infrastructure for storing, processing, and distributing their corn. It will also serve as a direct link between farmers and potential buyers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fairer prices for producers.
Building the Cebu Mega Food Hub
The planned Mega Food Hub is a cornerstone of the initiative. It will be equipped with cold storage and warehousing to prevent post-harvest losses, a major issue for local farmers. By providing central storage, the hub will help stabilize farmgate prices and reduce spoilage, which often eats into farmer profits.
The hub will also host trading floors designed to connect farmer cooperatives directly with institutional buyers like feed millers. This direct linkage is designed to create a more efficient supply chain. It empowers farmers to negotiate better terms and reduces their reliance on intermediaries who often capture the largest share of profit.
Partnerships for Progress
Baricuatro called on the Philippine Maize Federation, the Department of Agriculture, and the private sector to support the provincial government's efforts. She stressed that transforming the corn industry requires collaborative action from all stakeholders. The presence of key DA officials at the congress signals strong potential for alignment.
The 19th National Corn Congress, hosted in Cebu, brought together farmers and agricultural partners from across the Visayas. It served as the perfect platform for the governor to rally support. The initiative aligns with national efforts to boost food security and strengthen the country's agricultural backbone.
