Building a Smart Vegetable Value Chain: More Than Just Planting Seeds

COURTESY: https://www.misamisoriental.gov.ph

When vision meets opportunity, entire communities can change. GITUTOKAN sa kagamhanang probinsyal ang pag-establisar og greenhouse ning probinsya, and this focus is slowly reshaping the future of agriculture in Misamis Oriental. On a significant Wednesday, Nobyembre 19, 2025, Gov. Juliette T. Uy welcomed representatives from the Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC) for a courtesy visit that may well become a turning point for the province’s farmers.  

During this meeting, KRC presented a preliminary survey for the **Smart Vegetable Value Chain Enhancement Project for Smallholders in Northern Mindanao**. With a project cost of **USD 4.5 million**, the proposal carries immense hope for local agriculture. Present were Deputy Director **Kim Chun Jin**, Manager **Jeong Jeong-Ha**, agricultural value-chain expert **Dr. Bae Do-Chan**, and others who laid down a clear and compelling vision for greenhouse-based farming in the province. 

Claveria: From Cool Hills to Smart Green Valleys  

Claveria, with its cool climate and expansive farmlands, is now at the center of this ambitious plan. Gilantaw isip target area ang Claveria, partikular sa mga barangay sa **Malagana, Mat-i ug Aposkahoy**. These areas have been pinpointed as ideal sites for **greenhouse cultivation**, thanks to their elevation, fertile soils, and already thriving agricultural culture.  

Moreover, Claveria boasts the **largest farmland area** among the 23 municipalities and cities of Misamis Oriental. This makes it not only a logical choice, but a strategic one. In the ongoing survey, experts are carefully assessing which types of vegetables will thrive best inside greenhouses. High-value crops, specialty leafy greens, and climate-sensitive vegetables are all on the table, ensuring that every square meter of protected cultivation counts.  

Gov. Uy clearly articulated a bold dream: Misamis Oriental should not only supply vegetables locally, but also **produce, import/export, and compete** in markets where demand is high—particularly in urban centers, hotels, supermarkets, and other establishments. In other words, the province is gearing up to move from being just a producer to becoming a serious player in the value chain.  

From Farm to Market: A Connected Journey  

This project goes far beyond building structures made of glass or plastic. It is about creating a **smart vegetable value chain** that links smallholder farmers with markets in a systematic and sustainable way. With KRC’s technical guidance, farmers in Claveria and beyond can access improved farming methods, better post-harvest handling, and more efficient distribution systems.  

Transitioning from traditional open-field farming to greenhouse cultivation means farmers gain more control over temperature, moisture, pests, and disease. As a result, they can produce more consistent yields, higher quality vegetables, and potentially command better prices. In turn, these improved incomes can support families, fund education, and strengthen rural communities.  

Data-Driven Farming: Science in the Soil  

Samtang nagkabayloay og ideya tali sa **Department of Agriculture (DA) 10** uban ni Regional Director **Jose Apollo Pacamalan** ug sa **Provincial Agriculture Office** nga gipangulohan ni OIC **Engr. Evy Elago**, the project is also being shaped by data and science. They committed to conduct additional surveys to increase the project’s effectiveness.  

This collaboration will provide:  

- **Technical assistance** to guide farmers in greenhouse operations  

- **Accurate data and mapping** for both micro and macro analysis  

- **Planning support** to align production with actual market demand  

By integrating data, the project can identify which crops are best for certain microclimates, what volumes are needed by the market, and how to time production to avoid oversupply and price drops. In essence, farming becomes not only a tradition, but a **strategic and informed enterprise**.  

Greenhouses as Shields: Fighting Climate Change and Food Insecurity  

The world is facing unpredictable weather, prolonged droughts, and stronger typhoons. Because of this, many farmers are at the mercy of forces they cannot control. Kahinumdomang gilaraw nga mahimong solusyon ang **greenhouse establishment batok sa global climate change ug isyu sa kakulangon sa pagkaon**.  

Greenhouses act like shields. They protect crops from heavy rains, intense heat, and sudden temperature drops. Consequently, they help ensure more stable harvests throughout the year. This stability is crucial not just for individual farmers, but for the entire province’s **food security**. When production is consistent, markets are supplied, prices are more stable, and households—especially the poorest—have better access to nutritious vegetables.  

Raising Farmers, Reducing Poverty, Sustaining the Future 

Labing gitinguha niini nga proyekto mao ang **pagpakgang sa kapobrehon ug ang food sustainability**. By increasing the quality and volume of vegetable production, especially high-valued crops, Misamis Oriental can open new doors for its farmers. They can earn more from the same land, and they can escape the cycle of low prices and uncertain yields.  

Furthermore, as greenhouse-based agriculture grows, it can create **new jobs** in construction, maintenance, logistics, processing, and marketing. Youth who might otherwise leave the countryside could now see agriculture as a modern, tech-driven, and financially rewarding career.  

Ultimately, the provincial government’s strong focus—GITUTOKAN sa kagamhanang probinsyal ang pag-establisar og greenhouse ning probinsya—is about more than infrastructure. It is about **hope, resilience, and long-term vision**. Supported by international partners like KRC, and strengthened by DA 10 and the Provincial Agriculture Office, Misamis Oriental is positioning itself as a model for smart, climate-resilient, and inclusive agriculture in Northern Mindanao.  

As the first greenhouses rise over the hills of Claveria, they will not just shelter plants; they will nurture a new chapter in the story of the province—one where innovation, cooperation, and courage grow side by side with every leaf and vine. 

Digital Guardians: How CMISID Protects City Vet’s Data in a Modern World

COURTESY: DYM/CIO/Photo courtesy of CMISID

The Assessment That Safeguards Every Byte

In an age where information flows faster than the wag of a happy puppy’s tail, data protection has become more than just a technical necessity—it’s a shield that guards trust. Recently, **CMISID CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT ON CITY VET’S DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS**, a move that reflects both dedication and foresight.  

The **City Management Information Systems Innovation Department (CMISID)** spearheaded a **Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)** for the **City Veterinary Office (CVO)**, meticulously examining every corner of their data ecosystem. From Health Certificates and Certificates of Acceptance to the Online Registration for Spay and Neuter and Rabies Vaccination, no detail was left unreviewed. The Animal Dispersal Program and the Document Management System were also placed under the privacy microscope. Through this thorough process, the goal was clear—strengthening data privacy, preventing risks, and ensuring trust remains unbroken.  

Turning Findings into a Safer Future

Translating assessment results into actionable measures, the **CMISID’s Research and Innovation Division**, in collaboration with the City Vet’s Compliance Officer for Privacy and Systems Focal Person, followed the trail of how personal data is collected, stored, used, and shared. This journey revealed not only the smooth processes but also the cracks through which vulnerabilities could sneak in.  

With this knowledge, both offices swiftly recommended strategic improvements—from enhanced encryption methods to stricter access controls—ensuring every citizen’s information remains private and secure. This effort stands as part of City Hall’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible handling of personal information. The process wasn’t merely a legal checkbox; it showcased a proactive embrace of digital ethics, where technology and integrity walk side by side.  

As technology continues to evolve, privacy assessments like this become the unsung heroes of local governance. In protecting data, the CMISID and City Vet aren’t just defending numbers—they’re safeguarding trust, dignity, and the lives connected to every byte of information.  

Dreams in Steel and Glass: Inside the Gaisano City Mall Expansion

UPDATE | Gaisano City Mall Expansion – November 2025  

The city skyline is slowly changing, and at the heart of this transformation rises a familiar name with a bold new vision: Gaisano City Mall. The UPDATE | Gaisano City Mall Expansion – November 2025 marks a significant milestone in the city’s commercial landscape, promising not only more shops, but a richer, more convenient urban experience for everyone. As construction steadily moves forward, the site hums with energy, ambition, and the promise of a grander destination.  

Rising Foundations: From Pile Works to Tower Crane  

As you approach the construction site, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale of the development. The expansion of Gaisano City Mall is steadily progressing, with pile works now completed in several areas. At the same time, some parts are still ongoing, creating a dynamic image of a project in motion rather than a static construction zone. The ground trembles gently with activity as heavy machinery and workers collaborate in a carefully choreographed effort.  

Moreover, the emergence of structural columns signals that the mall’s new form is truly taking shape. These concrete pillars stand proudly against the sky, hinting at spacious corridors, vibrant storefronts, and lively gathering spaces that will soon welcome visitors. Several sections have already started rising to the fourth level, forming silhouettes that sketch out the mall’s future profile. Meanwhile, a towering crane gracefully moves above, installed on-site to further accelerate construction activities and keep the expansion on track.  

A More Convenient Future: Multi-Level Car Park and New Supermarket  

Beyond the concrete and steel, the UPDATE | Gaisano City Mall Expansion – November 2025 tells a story of everyday convenience and comfort. According to the initial floor plan, the project will feature a modern multi-level car park, thoughtfully designed to ease the parking woes of shoppers and commuters. Instead of circling endlessly for a spot, future visitors can look forward to a smoother arrival, transitioning quickly from car seats to café tables, cinema seats, or shopping aisles.  

In addition, the ground floor is set to house a new Gaisano Supermarket, turning the expansion into a one-stop hub for daily essentials. Picture bright aisles filled with fresh produce, household goods, and local favorites, all within easy reach the moment you step into the building. This strategic layout means residents can drop by for quick grocery runs, while families can combine supermarket errands with weekend mall outings. Ultimately, it weaves convenience into the very design of the expansion, making every visit more efficient and enjoyable. 

Transforming the City Experience, One Floor at a Time  

As the mall’s structure climbs to its fourth level and beyond, it also raises expectations for what urban life can feel like. With each new column and beam, the Gaisano City Mall expansion creates opportunities for new dining concepts, entertainment zones, and retail experiences. Furthermore, the project generates jobs, stimulates local businesses, and injects fresh energy into the surrounding community.  

In the coming months, the skeletal framework will gradually transform into finished floors, glass façades, and inviting interiors. Step by step, the UPDATE | Gaisano City Mall Expansion – November 2025 brings us closer to a vibrant, modern destination where convenience, leisure, and lifestyle meet under one roof. Soon, today’s construction noise will give way to laughter, conversation, and the steady rhythm of footsteps exploring a reimagined city landmark. And when the doors finally open, the community will not just see a bigger mall, but a brighter chapter in the city’s story.