CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (November 5, 2025) — Northern Mindanao is ramping up agricultural investments and partnerships to sustain food sufficiency, with Bukidnon leading as the region’s top food-producing province, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 reported

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan said Bukidnon produces 110 percent of Northern Mindanao’s rice requirement, making it a priority area for government support.

“Of the region’s P1.4 billion rice budget, 60 to 70% is allocated to Bukidnon to sustain productivity and strengthen regional food security, now at about 83%. The DA is focusing resources on high-yield zones to ensure efficient fund use and maximize returns,” Pacamalan said.

He encouraged stronger collaboration with major cooperatives such as FICCO, Oro Coop, and IBCO-IIT to mobilize private funds for farm development and reduce reliance on government aid.

Reports showed that the DA and the Bukidnon provincial government are investing P1.8 billion to set up two major food processing hubs in Manolo Fortich and Claveria. The hubs will rehabilitate facilities, including the former Bukidnon Resources Company, Inc. (BRCI) tomato plant, to process surplus crops, reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilize market prices. To boost value-adding, Pacamalan said the DA is promoting integrated and sustainable farming systems to keep food prices stable and raise farmers’ income amid rising costs and growing demand from nearby tourism areas. These systems, he said, aim to cut dependence on synthetic inputs and raise farm yields.

He said the agency is developing a Digital Agriculture Information System using drone mapping and satellite imaging to generate traceable crop data, improve planning, and attract investments.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 Senior Statistical Specialist Cristine Gallopin said agricultural data are available through the OpenStat portal (openstat.psa.gov.ph) and the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), which lists farmers and farmworkers nationwide.

In the fisheries sector, Pacamalan said current regulations aim to ensure long-term sustainability rather than limit production. Cold storage facilities and food hubs in Malaybalay and Maramag will enhance the handling, preservation, and marketing of fish and other perishables, reducing losses and increasing fisherfolk’s income.

The DA has also allotted P1 billion for high-value crops such as coffee and essential oils. Pacamalan said coffee nurseries will be set up in strategic Arabica-growing areas to reduce imports and create sustainable livelihoods.

Through coordinated investments, cooperative partnerships, and technology-driven innovation, Northern Mindanao aims to fortify itself as a leading agricultural hub, driving food security, farmer welfare, and regional growth. (Hazel Ann Cagalawan/PIA-10)