Product Offerings
Products:
Services: Agricultural Production Support, Market Linkage, Agribusiness Development (AMAD), Price Monitoring, Trade Facilitation, Swine Recovery, High-Value Crop Production
The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 6 (DA-RFO 6), headquartered in Iloilo City, leads agricultural development efforts in Western Visayas. Covering the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, DA-RFO 6 is responsible for executing national programs in food production, trade facilitation, market linkage, and agribusiness development throughout the region.
Core Services and Functions
DA-RFO 6 implements a comprehensive range of agricultural services aimed at increasing productivity, ensuring food security, and improving farmer income:
- Production and Technical Support: Distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and farm inputs for rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock.
- Market Linkage and Trade Facilitation: Operates KADIWA ni Ani at Kita and regional trade expos to connect farmers with consumers and institutional buyers.
- Agribusiness Development (via AMAD): Offers enterprise mentorship, branding, packaging, financial advisory, and credit facilitation.
- Swine Recovery Program: Provides financial and technical support for repopulating hog farms affected by ASF in key provinces.
- Price Monitoring and Market Intelligence: Gathers and analyzes commodity prices to guide producer decisions and government policy.
- Climate Resilient Agriculture and Post-Harvest Support: Implements risk-reduction initiatives and postharvest facilities to mitigate losses.
These services are delivered in collaboration with LGUs, farmer cooperatives, and private sector stakeholders.
Strategic Regional Strengths
Western Visayas boasts a rich agricultural landscape characterized by:
- Top rice and sugarcane producing provinces in the country (notably Iloilo and Negros Occidental)
- Strong fisheries and aquaculture sectors, particularly in Capiz and Guimaras
- High-value crops such as mango, banana, coffee, and cacao
- Expanding organic agriculture and agritourism markets
DA-RFO 6 plays a central role in coordinating production and market support across these key commodities.
Primary Stakeholders and Beneficiaries
The agency serves a diverse group of stakeholders:
- Smallholder farmers and fisherfolk
- Agripreneurs and micro-enterprises
- Farmer cooperatives and rural-based organizations
- Local government units (LGUs) and barangay food security councils
- Youth and women in agriculture initiatives
Programs prioritize inclusive development, gender equity, and enterprise viability.
Operational Infrastructure and Capacity
DA-RFO 6 maintains regional and provincial operations centers with functional units for each commodity and service line. Its capabilities include:
- Program Clusters for rice, corn, livestock, fisheries, high-value crops, organic farming, and agribusiness
- Regional AMAD (Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division) for market-oriented enterprise support
- Infrastructure Development: Distribution hubs, postharvest facilities, and equipment pools
The regional office ensures timely and efficient implementation of national DA programs tailored to Western Visayas’ conditions.
Performance and Impact Metrics
Based on recent DA reports and field data:
- Over ₱5 billion in support released under agri-programs since 2020
- More than 600 MSMEs and cooperatives supported annually by AMAD for enterprise development
- Over ₱400 million in farmgate sales generated via KADIWA platforms since the onset of the pandemic
- Significant contribution to national rice production, with Iloilo and Negros Occidental ranked among top rice-producing provinces
- ASF Swine Recovery Program successfully reintroduced over 30,000 hogs in affected areas in 2023
These figures reflect the region’s vital role in the country’s agricultural economy.
Compliance and Governance
DA-RFO 6 complies with:
- National auditing protocols set by the Commission on Audit (COA)
- Program management standards from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
- Implementation guidelines from the central DA office and the Philippine Development Plan
- Cross-agency collaborations with DTI, DOST, TESDA, and state universities for training and innovation
Programs are implemented with strong LGU partnerships and accountability systems.
Community Feedback and Recognition
DA-RFO 6 has earned commendations for:
- Fast and transparent distribution of farm inputs and cash subsidies
- Effective coordination of KADIWA marketing platforms, even in remote barangays
- Enterprise development success stories, such as women-led organic banana processors in Guimaras and cacao cooperatives in Antique
Farmers credit the agency for helping them scale production, reduce postharvest losses, and access premium markets.
Major Achievements
- Launched Western Visayas Food Terminal Network supporting farmer market access
- Established flagship KADIWA Rolling Stores and digital selling platforms across all provinces
- Played a lead role in the Swine Industry Rehabilitation Plan for Visayas with cross-provincial implementation
- Facilitated regional agribusiness forums attracting private sector investment in agri-processing and logistics
DA-RFO 6 continues to champion agricultural modernization and rural development, positioning Western Visayas as a hub of resilient and inclusive agribusiness in the Philippines.