CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) capped its first ever celebration of the High Value Crops (HVC) Week on April 16, 2021, here in the city.

Bearing the theme: “Kabuhayan ay Paunlarin, Katawan ay Palakasin, High Value Crops ay Itanim”, said observance culminated with a vegetable salad making contest, seed identification game and a recognition of some high value crops producers in the region.

With the HVC Development Program, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga reported, that it continued its advocacy in addressing food security concerns amid the pandemic reporting a distribution of 4,328 packets of assorted vegetable seeds to walk-in clients, various agencies, local governments and associations regionwide.

She also acknowledged one of the program’s milestone thru assisting the coffee growing and production of Miarayon-Lapok-Lirongan-Tinaytayan Talaandig Tribal Association (MILALITTRA) of Talakag, Bukidnon, a group that produces and supplies first class coffee beans locally and nationally and also an awardee in the 2019 Philippine Quality Competition for Arabica category.

During the closing program, MILALITTRA also presented their coffee making preparations and shared its story on the potentials of coffee growing and production as an enterprise.

Meanwhile, the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division topped in both contests, represented by Andre Hojas and Jussel Jagunos in the vegetable salad making contest, while Pearly Jane Cabudoy and John Ed Molijon in the seed identification game.

RTD Madriaga commended the uniqueness and palatability of the dish prepared by the winners, as it also showcases the ingenuity of DA-10 personnel serving as advocates in promoting household backyard gardening and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

With the HVC week celebration, the department under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado is fervent that it will continue to empower high value crops farmers, at the same time, help attain food self-sufficiency, economic growth and accessibility of affordable, quality, safe and healthy food. # (JCAnito)