DAVAO CITY, May 5, 2025 — The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-XI) kicked off the 2025 Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration on Monday, paying tribute to the men and women behind the country’s food supply and reaffirming the government’s commitment to agricultural growth and food security.
Held at the DA-XI Regional Office grounds in Davao City, the celebration opened with an exhibit and program highlighting local agri-preneur success stories, government initiatives, and Mindanao’s critical role in feeding the nation.
Among the featured stories was that of Anisa Abellanida, a farmer-entrepreneur from Davao City who turned adversity into innovation. From initially buying and selling mangoes, Abellanida began producing mango vinegar to address post-harvest losses during peak seasons. With support from the Department of Agriculture and access to Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets, she expanded her market reach—eventually tapping into international markets.
“Through Kadiwa, I was able to market my product. Eventually, I even expanded internationally,” Abellanida shared.
Abellanida is one of many exhibitors joining the month-long festivities, which serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and enhanced market access for small-scale producers.
Speaking on behalf of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Leo Tereso Magno, Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro stressed Mindanao’s vital role in the country’s food production and the need to scale up operations to compete globally.
“To elevate our global competitiveness, we must improve our economies of scale—similar to what neighboring countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have done,” Montenegro said, noting that Mindanao’s products could reach international markets with improved standards and value chain integration.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reports that Davao Region contributes around 40 percent of the nation’s food trade, leading in bananas, pineapples, coconuts, corn, seaweeds, and fisheries. It also dominates the country’s cacao production and contributes significantly to fishery output, particularly through the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This year’s celebration also aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agricultural thrusts, including the Masagana 150 and 200 programs designed to boost rice and corn productivity by improving access to quality seeds, technology, and financing. Programs like Kadiwa ng Pangulo further aim to link farmers directly with consumers—supporting rural livelihoods while stabilizing food prices.
DA-XI Regional Executive Director Bong Gonzaga assured continued support for farmers and fisherfolk amid changing agricultural conditions.
“We deeply value their hard work and resilience. That’s why we are enhancing our programs to equip them with the tools they need to succeed,” Gonzaga said.
The event also recognized the horticulture sector’s contributions. Evelyn Lavina, president of the Floriculture Industry of Davao, expressed gratitude for the sustained government support through training and exhibition opportunities.
“The government has always been there to guide and empower us, both technically and in promoting our products,” Lavina noted.
As the 2025 Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month unfolds, DA-XI underscores Mindanao’s role as the country’s agricultural heartland and a cornerstone of food security for the Philippines.