The Department of Agriculture (DA) held its first harvest festival for locally produced hybrid rice seeds this week in Barangay Rang-ay, Banaybanay, highlighting the growing success of homegrown agricultural innovation in the region.
In a statement, DA Region 11 Executive Director Macario Gonzaga emphasized the importance of promoting local seed production and agricultural innovation as vital tools for improving farmers’ lives and driving national economic growth.
“This initiative aligns with DA Administrative Order 9, which supports the promotion and development of hybrid rice production,” Gonzaga said. “The order highlights that prioritizing hybrid rice seed production improves productivity, enhances disease resistance, and boosts resilience within the local rice farming community.”
During the harvest event, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. was represented by Director Emerson Yago, the focal person for rice clustering and consolidation under the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program. Yago said the use of locally produced hybrid rice seeds plays a critical role in reducing the country’s reliance on imported seeds.
According to DA-11 data, approximately 2,024 hectares in the Davao Region were planted with hybrid rice during the current dry season. Of this, 1,737 hectares are located in Davao Oriental, with Banaybanay and Lupon identified as leading producers of hybrid rice seeds.
Yago noted that in 2024, the DA initially targeted a 60:40 ratio of imported to locally produced hybrid rice seeds. This year, the goal has shifted to reverse the ratio to 40 percent imported and 60 percent locally produced seeds.
The DA said this move not only supports domestic seed growers but also contributes to long-term food security and sustainability in Philippine agriculture.