The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA RFO-8, through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), recently convened agricultural extension workers from Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran in a coordination meeting aimed at charting a brighter course in the delivery of high-value crop initiatives in the region at the Leyte Provincial Capitol, Palo, Leyte, on April 27, 2026.

The activity gathered Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from various local government units to harmonize strategies, impart updates, and discuss priority interventions under the HVCDP. The meeting also served as a conducive platform to further strengthen coordination between DA RFO 8 and local implementers who play a crucial role in ensuring that agricultural interventions trickle down to the grassroots.

In her presentation, Ms. Ferlynn V. Basañez, HVCDP Focal, presented a comprehensive situationer on the current status and key developments of the HVCDP in the region. In her presentation, she encouraged AEWs to strategically identify and promote a high-value crop that can be effectively cultivated within their respective areas. HVCDP Focal Basañez emphasized that crop selection should be carefully anchored on its profitability and suitability to the prevailing agro-climatic conditions to ensure sustainable production, improved productivity, and enhanced income opportunities for farmers.

The coordination meeting reaffirmed DA 8’s commitment to working closely with local agricultural extension workers in advancing the development of the high-value crops sector in Eastern Visayas, ultimately contributing to increased farmers’ incomes and improved food security in the region.