PALO, LEYTE — Anchored on the goal of strengthening the vegetable industry across the Visayas, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA RFO 8) successfully hosted the FY 2025 Vegetable Congress Visayas Cluster on October 27–28, 2025, at the Leyte Convention Center in Palo, Leyte.
The two-day congress gathered key agricultural stakeholders—farmers’ cooperatives, municipal agriculturists, and agricultural extension workers—from across the Visayas to engage in dialogue, share best practices, and discuss innovations aimed at improving the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of vegetable production.
In his keynote speech, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Director Joseph C. Manicad emphasized the importance of collaboration among the various sectors of agriculture.
“Our collective action will help stabilize supplies, improve product consistency, and expand market access for the Visayas regions—strengthening food security and income generation,” Manicad said.
For his part, OIC-Regional Executive Director Rodel G. Macapanas highlighted the broader social and economic impact of vegetable farming.
“By strengthening vegetable production, we are not just addressing food security but also malnourishment, poverty, and even peace and security,” he noted.
This year’s theme, “Strengthening the Vegetable Industry: A Pathway to Regional Prosperity,” encapsulated the vision of fostering a more resilient and competitive vegetable sector that contributes to both nutrition and economic growth.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Imelda Sievert, Leyte Provincial Agriculturist, reinforced the theme by underscoring the vital role of the vegetable industry in regional development.
“Vegetables are not only a source of nourishment but also a vital economic engine that drives the region’s growth,” Sievert remarked.
The congress culminated with a dynamic Q&A forum, where participants actively engaged with experts, raising concerns and sharing insights to further refine regional strategies for the vegetable industry.
Through this initiative, DA RFO 8 reaffirmed its commitment to empowering farmers, enhancing productivity, and advancing food sustainability in the Visayas. END #leyteinitiatives
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