The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11), through its Rice Program, has expanded the distribution of hybrid rice seeds to the province of Davao Oriental as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen rice productivity ahead of the dry cropping season.
Led by DA-11 Regional Alternate Rice Program Focal Person Jacinto Macoy, Jr., together with the regional rice team and the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs), the distribution activity aims to equip local farmers with high-quality hybrid seeds that promise higher yields and better income opportunities.
Under this initiative, farmers from several municipalities across Davao Oriental will cultivate a combined total of 2,250 hectares of hybrid rice. The municipality of Cateel has the largest allocation with 1,000 hectares, followed by Baganga with 400 hectares, Banaybanay and Lupon with 300 hectares each, Caraga and Governor Generoso with 100 hectares each, and Boston with 50 hectares.
Macoy emphasized that the intervention is designed to improve farm productivity and profitability by promoting the use of hybrid rice varieties that perform well under local conditions.
“Providing farmers with access to high-quality hybrid seeds will help them achieve higher productivity and improved profitability, contributing to the region’s overall food sufficiency goals,” he said.
The DA-11 Rice Program continues to coordinate with local government units and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Davao Oriental to ensure smooth and equitable distribution. The next rounds of seed distribution are scheduled on November 10–12 in Banaybanay, November 13 in Lupon, and November 18 in Caraga.
Through these sustained interventions, DA-11 reaffirms its commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening the rice sector in Davao Region, contributing to the country’s pursuit of food security and agricultural resilience.