DA Promotes Modern Farming in Eastern Visayas

Posted on July 14, 2026 at 5:11 am

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is encouraging farmers in Eastern Visayas to adopt hybrid seeds, use modern farm equipment, and apply bio-fertilizers as part of its efforts to improve crop production and increase farmers’ income.

DA Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapanas said in an interview with Vanguard on July 8 that farmers can achieve higher yields by shifting from traditional and certified seeds to hybrid varieties.

“If you shift from traditional varieties to hybrid, definitely there is a yield advantage,” Macapanas said.

He said the DA is providing a package of assistance that includes seeds, fertilizers, and other farm inputs. For the current cropping season, the agency has allocated up to ₱14,500 per hectare to help farmers improve production.

Macapanas also encouraged farmers to use available farm technologies, including drones for land preparation and the application of fertilizers and pesticides.

“Our farmers are beginning to appreciate the use of drones in their land preparation, pesticide application, and fertilizer application,” he said.

According to Macapanas, the use of modern equipment can help reduce labor costs and make farming more efficient.

The DA is also promoting bio-fertilizers to reduce farmers’ dependence on imported inorganic fertilizers.

Macapanas said recent developments in the Middle East have shown how global events can affect the country’s fertilizer supply.

“What we fear is the Middle East crisis since we’re dependent on supplies coming from outside,” he said.

He added that the government is encouraging the use of locally available alternatives to lessen the impact of possible supply disruptions.

Aside from addressing supply concerns, Macapanas said biofertilizers can help improve soil quality. He explained that years of using inorganic fertilizers have caused some rice fields to become acidic, which affects productivity.

The DA is also organizing farmers into clusters and associations to strengthen their position in the market.

Macapanas said farmers who work together can produce larger volumes, making it easier to sell their harvest and negotiate better prices.

“Our farmers will be empowered because they will now have scale in terms of produce,” he said.

He added that farmer organizations can expand into processing and marketing their own products, allowing members to earn more from their harvest.

The DA will continue promoting mechanization and digital technologies as part of its programs to improve agriculture in Eastern Visayas.

“There’s no way back. The demand is for us to be competent, to be efficient, and we need to embrace mechanization and digitalization,” Macapanas said.

Photo courtesy: DA Eastern Visayas