MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) and Pilmico Foods, Corp. held a coordination meeting on November 10 here to strengthen collaboration with select corn clusters

According to DA-10 Corn Program Focal Person Richan D. Lacanaria, the meeting aimed to establish aligned strategies and deepen cooperation among the agriculture department, corn clusters, and Pilmico in support of sustainable corn production and efficient market linkages.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan urged farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) to participate in the agency’s digitalization initiatives by registering their corn production. He explained that this will allow the DA to respond more efficiently to farmers’ concerns, coordinate marketing, and help farmers secure better prices for their crops.

The meeting also addressed challenges across the entire corn value chain, from production and harvesting to postharvest handling and market access. DA-10 plans to map corn areas and estimate production among the gathered FCAs in Bukidnon to guide interventions, monitor output, and maximize support for farmers.

Pilmico, the agribusiness arm of Aboitiz Foods, presented its Inclusive Yellow Corn Sourcing Project (Project Silk), which builds long-term partnerships with local farmers through capacity-building, entrepreneurship programs, and market access. The Pilmico team, led by Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Katrina Bayog-Mercado, said the company has six FCA partners in Northern Mindanao, with a current buying price of PhP22 per kilogram and a monthly requirement of 4,000 metric tons of yellow corn. Pilmico also expressed its interest in expanding its network by tapping more FCAs and shared the technical requirements for physical quality, nutritional content, and chemical standards for sourcing.

An open forum followed, where participants discussed ways in which the collective efforts of DA-10, Pilmico, and the FCAs could improve efficiency, reduce postharvest losses, and maintain quality standards. Farmer-beneficiaries likewise expressed appreciation for DA-10’s support, particularly in marketing, production, and postharvest facilities, while highlighting opportunities to further strengthen their operations.

The initiative is aligned with the directives of the current administration to drive the agricultural industry toward profitability, and empower local farmers.(JLO)