The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO 8) is the principal government agency tasked with advancing the agricultural sector in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Operating under the overarching mandate of the Department of Agriculture, DA-RFO 8 ensures the delivery and implementation of strategic programs that bolster food security, promote agribusiness, and support the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk across the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Biliran.
Core Business and Mandate
DA-RFO 8’s primary responsibilities include:
- Execution of national agricultural policies at the regional level
- Provision of farm inputs, machinery, and technical assistance
- Promotion of sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices
- Capacity building through training and extension services
- Enhancement of agri-fishery value chains
The agency operates a range of sector-specific programs including rice, corn, high-value crops, organic agriculture, and livestock development.
Specialization and Unique Strengths
DA-RFO 8's operations are tailored to the region's agro-climatic conditions, characterized by both fertile lowlands and coastal ecosystems. Key areas of specialization include:
- Rice and Corn Production: Distribution of certified seeds, mechanization support, and irrigation development
- High Value Crops Development: Focus on mango, banana, coconut, and vegetables
- Organic Agriculture: Promotion of organic farming through education, input subsidies, and certification
- Fisheries and Aquaculture: Support for coastal communities with post-harvest facilities and fingerling dispersal
DA-RFO 8 also engages in climate change adaptation measures such as typhoon-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems for agricultural producers.
Financial Resources and Budget Utilization
As a non-revenue generating agency, DA-RFO 8 relies on allocations from the national government. In 2023, the Department of Agriculture had a national budget of PHP 167.5 billion, of which regional offices like DA-RFO 8 received earmarked funds for priority programs. Recent budget utilization in the region included:
- Over PHP 800 million disbursed in 2022 for agricultural infrastructure and production support
- PHP 200 million allocated for rice resiliency and productivity enhancement
- Funding under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)
All disbursements are subject to government audit and monitoring through the Commission on Audit (COA).
Project Implementation and Output Data
DA-RFO 8 facilitates extensive project rollouts across Eastern Visayas. Key data points include:
- Over 10,000 hectares covered under rice and corn mechanization programs in 2022
- 5,000+ beneficiaries of the Livestock Program receiving breeder stocks and health services
- 2,000 farmers trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and integrated farming systems
- Construction and rehabilitation of 150+ kilometers of farm-to-market roads in the last five years
Target Market
The agency primarily serves:
- Small and medium-scale farmers and fisherfolk
- Agricultural cooperatives and associations
- Indigenous and rural communities
- Local government units and other public stakeholders
Programs are designed to enhance income generation, food sufficiency, and rural development.
Capabilities
DA-RFO 8 is structured into operational divisions such as:
- Field Operations Division
- Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division
- Research and Regulatory Services
- Planning and Monitoring Units
The agency also manages research facilities and satellite stations that support technology dissemination, adaptive research, and on-site farmer training.
Certifications and Compliance
DA-RFO 8 operates within strict compliance to national regulations, including:
- Adherence to Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) standards
- Audited annually by the Commission on Audit (COA)
- Alignment with ISO 9001:2015 quality protocols under the Department of Agriculture's integrated management system
Stakeholder Testimonials
Numerous local farmer associations and LGUs have commended DA-RFO 8’s role in revitalizing agriculture post-calamities, such as after Typhoon Yolanda. Testimonials frequently highlight the timeliness of interventions, such as the provision of certified seeds and farm tools, that helped restore productivity and stabilize rural livelihoods.
Major Achievements
- Post-Disaster Agricultural Recovery: Spearheaded the rebuilding of agri-infrastructure and support systems post-Typhoon Yolanda, benefiting over 40,000 farmers
- Agricultural Innovation Projects: Introduced drone-based fertilization pilots and smart farming initiatives
- Recognition in Performance Audits: Regularly cited in COA and DA internal audits for efficient fund utilization and impact delivery
- Partnerships with NGOs and International Agencies: Collaborated with agencies like the World Bank under PRDP to improve market access and agribusiness development
DA-RFO 8 continues to act as a catalyst for agricultural growth in Eastern Visayas, building resilient farming communities and ensuring the sector’s contribution to regional economic development.