Product Offerings
Products:
Services: Agricultural Production Support, Market Linkage & Trade Facilitation, Agribusiness Development, Price Monitoring, Program Implementation
The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 7 (DA-RFO 7), based in Cebu City, is the key government agency spearheading agricultural development and food security in Central Visayas. Covering the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, DA-RFO 7 implements national and regional agricultural programs, supports agribusiness growth, and ensures that rural communities have equitable access to market opportunities and essential services.
Core Services and Program Areas
DA-RFO 7 delivers an integrated suite of services aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, income diversification, and enterprise competitiveness. These include:
- Agricultural Production and Technical Support: Provision of high-yield seeds, fertilizers, and farm mechanization services across major crops and livestock commodities.
- Market Linkage and Trade Facilitation: Organizes regional agri-fairs, buyer-seller meets, and institutional procurement programs that connect producers with markets.
- Agribusiness Development: Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), it provides business advisory, branding support, financial linkage, and compliance assistance to MSMEs and farmer cooperatives.
- Price Monitoring and Intelligence: Tracks real-time commodity pricing to guide policy, stabilize supply chains, and ensure fair pricing mechanisms for both producers and consumers.
- Program Implementation and Coordination: Serves as the regional execution body for national initiatives such as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), and the Swine and Corn Program.
These programs aim to uplift farming communities, support food sufficiency, and modernize agriculture in Central Visayas.
Strategic Strengths and Regional Focus
Central Visayas has a diverse agricultural economy characterized by:
- High-value crop production, including mango, banana, coconut, and root crops
- Strong livestock and poultry sectors, especially in Cebu and Bohol
- Fisheries and aquaculture prominence in coastal and island communities
- Agri-tourism and organic agriculture, with increasing interest from urban markets
DA-RFO 7 aligns its services to regional development goals by enhancing resilience, reducing postharvest losses, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Stakeholders and Beneficiaries
DA-RFO 7 provides services to a wide spectrum of clients and partners:
- Smallholder farmers and fisherfolk
- Agripreneurs and agri-MSMEs
- Farmer cooperatives and Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups
- Youth and women-led agricultural enterprises
- Local Government Units (LGUs) and Barangay Food Councils
The office emphasizes inclusivity and supports programs for disadvantaged and geographically isolated communities.
Operational Capacity and Implementation Reach
DA-RFO 7 operates through field offices in each province, with sectoral coordinators managing commodity-based programs. It has capacity for:
- Farm input distribution and technical training
- KADIWA marketing platforms and mobile stores
- Enterprise incubation, packaging, and market-readiness coaching
- Collaboration with agencies such as DTI, DOST, and SUCs for innovation and extension
Their decentralized system ensures efficient resource delivery and close alignment with local agricultural dynamics.
Economic and Programmatic Impact
Based on performance evaluations and regional updates:
- Over ₱3 billion in program funds deployed across Central Visayas from 2021–2023
- Facilitated ₱150 million in KADIWA sales and market linkage trade through expos and fairs
- Assisted over 500 cooperatives and MSMEs annually through AMAD’s enterprise support
- Delivered services to approximately 200,000 farmer-beneficiaries, including training, farm inputs, and marketing aid
- Played a key role in livestock repopulation under the Swine Recovery Program, particularly in Bohol and Cebu
These accomplishments highlight the office’s capability to drive inclusive agricultural modernization.
Compliance and Governance
DA-RFO 7 adheres to government standards and operates under:
- Commission on Audit (COA) protocols
- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) guidelines
- DA Central Office frameworks including the Philippine Development Plan and National Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP)
- Gender and Development (GAD) and youth-focused policies
Monitoring and evaluation are conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders and development partners.
Recognition and Community Impact
DA-RFO 7 has been acknowledged for:
- Timely distribution of aid during natural disasters and pandemic disruptions
- Enabling growth of highland vegetable and fruit enterprises in Negros Oriental
- Supporting women-led cooperatives in food processing and market expansion
Farmer testimonials point to increased access to markets, better farm productivity, and enhanced enterprise confidence due to the agency’s programs.
Major Achievements
- Successfully launched multiple KADIWA outlets and mobile stores across Central Visayas
- Enabled coconut intercropping and diversified farming systems to boost incomes
- Supported youth agribusiness ventures through the Young Farmers Challenge Program, with more than 100 funded start-ups since 2021
- Coordinated Provincial Agri-Investment Forums resulting in cross-sector partnerships in food logistics and processing
With its strong policy execution, field presence, and enterprise-centered approach, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 7 continues to be a pillar of sustainable and inclusive agricultural development in Central Visayas.