MAKILALA, COTABATO — July 24, 2025 — The Province of Cotabato marked a major milestone today as it celebrated the achievements of local farmers under the Cotabato Rice Revolution Program (CRRP) and other sustainable agriculture initiatives aimed at improving the lives of farmers and strengthening food security across the province.
Held in Barangay Bulacanon, Makilala, the 1st CRRP Harvest Festival drew over 200 farmers and officials who gathered to share success stories and recognize the program’s impact. Launched last year under the leadership of Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza, the CRRP has significantly boosted rice production in participating communities.
Among the key highlights was the impressive increase in yield by farmer-beneficiaries Randy Dimalanta and Teddy Abinsay, both members of the Bulacanon, Dagupan, San Vicente (BUDASAN) Irrigators Association. Their fields recorded 7.8 tons per hectare for inbred rice and 9.6 tons per hectare for hybrid rice, a remarkable improvement from the previous averages of 6 and 6.9 tons, respectively.
Governor Taliño-Mendoza proudly praised the town of Makilala for being a standout in program implementation. “This town showed us the best in the implementation of the Rice Revolution Program,” she said, encouraging farmers to follow the program mechanics rigorously. “We must set the standard because we are serious about restoring regional rice sufficiency,” she added.
She also highlighted Cotabato’s strong performance in rubber, palm oil, and rice production, affirming the provincial government’s commitment to boosting agricultural growth through strategic partnerships and innovations.
The event was graced by key officials, including Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Daniel Alfonso N. Atayde, DA RFO XII Regional Executive Director Roberto T. Perales, DA Technical Director for Operations Zaldy Boloron, PhilRice Director Sailila Abdullah, and several others from national and local agricultural agencies.
In addition to the rice revolution, the provincial government continues to champion organic agriculture and vegetable farming as part of its long-term vision for sustainable food production and environmental protection.
On July 23, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) led the “Distribution of Organic Inputs, Vegetable Seeds, Materials and Equipment” at the OPAg Motorshed in Amas, Kidapawan City. This initiative supports the Provincial Organic Agriculture and Vegetable Production Projects, benefitting 140 farmers and 10 organized groups, along with 1,500 school-based beneficiaries.
The distributed items—worth P2.53 million—included grass cutters, power sprayers, plastic drums, shovels, UV plastics, organic fertilizers, vermicast, humus, insecticides, and 7-in-1 vegetable seed packs. The activity was headed by Acting OPAg Chief Elena E. Ragonton with support from Provincial Organic Agriculture Focal Person Dina A. Lumogdang, and attended by Kabacan Councilor Jonathan M. Tabara and PGO-Focal Person Lanie V. Babulon.
The Cotabato provincial government continues to push for sustainable, inclusive agricultural development—one that promotes food security, healthy living, and economic upliftment for every Cotabateño farmer.