Overview of the Project
The Department of Agriculture–Northern Mindanao (DA-10), in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Maramag, held a field day on Sept. 19 in Barangay Kiharong to promote corn cultivation methods under the 500-hectare Recommended Corn Production Technologies (RCPT) project. Consequently, the RCPT project features genetically modified (GM) hybrid yellow corn seeds and seeks to promote farming practices, increase the supply of corn for food and feed, and support farmers through value chain integration. The project is implemented by 12 farmers’ cooperatives and associations in eight barangays. A total of P7.25 million worth of hybrid seeds and fertilizer was provided to 723 farmers for one cropping season. Each farmer received two bags of corn seed and 10 bags of inorganic fertilizer per hectare.
Furthermore, Maramag Municipal Agriculturist Armand dela Cruz said the local agriculture office has been supporting farmers with soil sampling, seed and fertilizer application, and other production activities. “Through recommended production technologies, we hope to achieve higher yields, better quality, and greater income for our farmers,” he said. Therefore, the coordinated technical assistance and input provision illustrate a comprehensive approach to improving local corn productivity.
Impact and Outcomes
Beneficiaries reported notable improvements. For instance, Carmelito Balaba, president of the Dagumbaan Farmers’ Association in Barangay Dagumbaan and an RCPT beneficiary, said the assistance has helped improve results for farmers in his area. He observed that prior to support, farmers used traditional varieties with limited yields; whereas now, “pinaagi sa GM hybrid seeds nga gihatag, mas dako ug mas mayo ang harvest labi na kung hapsay ang yuta ug husto ang pagtanom.” (Before the inputs, our members relied on traditional corn varieties with low yields. Now, we’re grateful for the support, especially the hybrid variety, which produces bigger cobs when planted in well-prepared farmland.)
Moreover, crop cut results shared during the field day included plant population and height; ear diameter, length, and number per plot; kernel and cob weight; shelling recovery; field moisture content; pest incidence; and yield. Reported harvests ranged from 5.73 to 9.57 metric tons per hectare. In addition, Janet D. Lopez, chief of the DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center, acknowledged Maramag as one of two RCPT project recipients in the region this year and congratulated local partners for their support of DA programs. Likewise, Richard Apare, Corn Program reports officer of DA-10, encouraged farmers to form clusters to improve efficiency, strengthen market access, and expand eligibility for government support programs.
Conclusion and Forward Path
Consequently, this initiative supports the current administration’s vision of a food-secure Philippines and a vibrant agricultural industry, anchored in stronger local partnerships and modern production technologies. Moving forward, continued collaboration among DA-10, MAO Maramag, the Provincial Agriculture Office, and farmer cooperatives will remain essential to sustain yield gains, enhance market linkages, and secure long-term benefits for corn producers in MARAMAG, Bukidnon.
