MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P250.7
million for cassava production enhancement in 2026, supporting farmers in Northern Mindanao
through planting materials, fertilizers, farm machinery, hauling trucks, and training to strengthen
the region’s cassava industry.

The funding, under the DA’s Corn Program, comes alongside efforts by the DA Regional Field
Office 10 (Agri-10) to organize farmer clusters, expand market linkages, and introduce digital
tools to improve production planning and monitoring.
These initiatives were highlighted during the Cassava Clustering Plan: Digital Planning for
Strong Market Networks held on October 22–23 in Malaybalay City, bringing together farmers
from Libona, Kalilangan, Sumilao, and Manolo Fortich, along with processors and Agri-10
personnel.
The P250.7-million allocation will support the provision of cassava seed pieces, inorganic
fertilizers, information materials, farm machinery, and hauling trucks, as well as cluster
development and production training.

Beyond farm inputs, Agri-10 is working to strengthen the links between production, processing,
and marketing to help farmers improve their access to buyers and respond to market demand.
“We should not stop sa pag-produce sa atong cassava. We also have to develop our processing
and market linkages para ma-complete atong value chain,” said Agri-10 Cassava Focal Person
Engr. Reggie T. Vivas.
During the two-day activity, participating farmers conducted a strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and challenges (SWOC) analysis to assess their organizations’ capacities, identify
gaps, and establish development priorities. The results will guide the preparation of their
respective Cluster Development Plans, helping identify interventions in production, postharvest
handling, logistics, and market access.
The activity also connected farmers with potential institutional buyers, including Philippine
Agro-Industrial Corp., Ricor Mills Corp., Daesang Philippines Corp., and San Miguel Foods
Inc., which presented market opportunities for fresh cassava tubers and cassava granules.
To improve production planning and monitoring, Agri-10 introduced drone mapping to profile
cassava clusters, validate planted areas and standing crops, and assess crop damage. The agency
also presented its digital reporting platform for production data collection, geotagging, incident
reporting, feedback, and coordination of government assistance.
Agri-10 Alternate Corn Focal Person Richard G. Apare outlined further development priorities
for the cassava industry through 2030, including promoting soybean intercropping in cassava
areas to help address soil degradation, improving drying facilities and equipment, and
establishing a cassava flour processing plant in Bukidnon.
For farmers, strengthening their organizations and understanding government support
mechanisms are essential to making the most of available assistance.
“Sa pag-andam sa among request, kung wala mi miapil ani nga training, wala mi nakabalo nga
ing-ani diay ang proseso nga sundon,” said Mary Jane P. Gabutan, treasurer of the Kinawe Small
Farmers’ Association in Libona, Bukidnon.
Andrew G. Cena, chairperson of the Kalilangan Agri Multipurpose Association in Kalilangan,
Bukidnon, said the training helped develop farmers’ knowledge and leadership capabilities.
“The training did more than just educate us, but [it] transformed us into stronger and capable
leaders for our organizations,” Cena said.
Northern Mindanao remains the country’s leading cassava-producing region, accounting for 39
percent of national production. Philippine Statistics Authority data show that the region produced
613,014.8 metric tons of fresh cassava tubers in 2025. The reported 14,172.84 hectares of
physical area planted to cassava was based on submissions from local government units.

With the P250.7-million allocation and continued support for farmer clustering, digital
monitoring, and market development, the DA aims to strengthen cassava production and improve
opportunities for growers across Northern Mindanao.
The initiative supports the DA’s “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” agenda to increase
agricultural productivity, strengthen market access, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
(JLO/melbmadera)