The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII, through the High Value Crops and Development Program, officially commenced the celebration of the High Value Crops (HVC) Week through an opening program held at DA RFO 8 Car park on April 14, 2026, underscoring its strong commitment to enhancing the production and competitiveness of high-value crops in the region.

This year’s theme, “Future-Proofing High Value Crops Diversity: Gearing Towards Agro-Industrialization and Bio-Economy,” underscores the importance of strengthening and sustaining the production of diverse high-value crops to meet the growing demands of the agricultural sector. It highlights the need to adopt innovative technologies, climate-resilient practices, and improved farming systems that will ensure the long-term productivity and competitiveness of farmers.

In her message, OIC-Regional HVCDP Coordinator, Ferlynn V. Basañez, showcased scientifically grounded and innovative interventions set in motion by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8, which include the Protected Cultivation System, the Sustainable Agro-Forestry Enterprise Project (Project SAFE), and the Tissue Culture Laboratory Upgrading and Disease Indexing.

These agricultural interventions are set to enhance and improve the quantity and quality of high-value crop production in the region, which is expected to contribute to the long-term goal of the department towards food security.

As part of the kick-off activity, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII also facilitated the distribution of assorted vegetable seeds such as pechay, kangkong, squash, and other high-value crop varieties.

The initiative is intended to support increased crop production, promote household food security, and encourage sustainable farming practices at the community level, especially during these times when the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have caused an inordinate increase in the prices of basic commodities.

The provision of quality planting materials further solidifies the agency’s efforts to enhance productivity and improve access to essential agricultural inputs for anyone interested in farming.

The HVCDP remains a flagship program of the Department of Agriculture that promotes crop diversification, value chain development, and increased income opportunities for farmers, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and food-secure agricultural sector.