Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XIII (DA-RFO XIII) is the official regional arm of the Department of Agriculture serving the Caraga Region of the Philippines. Headquartered in Butuan City, DA-RFO XIII is tasked with implementing national agriculture and fishery programs tailored to the unique agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands.

Core Business and Objectives

DA-RFO XIII’s mission is to develop and support inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural systems across the Caraga region. It ensures the efficient delivery of government programs and projects that address productivity, food security, farmer welfare, and economic diversification.

Strategic objectives include:

• Enhancing productivity and income of farmers and fisherfolk
• Promoting sustainable and climate-smart agriculture
• Expanding access to markets, credit, and agribusiness opportunities
• Improving support services such as irrigation, farm mechanization, and logistics

Product and Service Offerings

As a government office, DA-RFO XIII delivers a comprehensive range of services and development programs, including:

• Agri-Extension and Technical Services:

  • Technical assistance, field monitoring, and training through Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs)

• Crop and Livestock Development Programs:

  • Distribution of certified seeds, planting materials, and livestock for food sufficiency and poverty reduction

• Irrigation and Infrastructure Support:

  • Implementation of small-scale irrigation projects and farm-to-market roads in partnership with LGUs

• Farm Mechanization:

  • Provision of post-harvest equipment and machinery to organized farmer groups

• Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance:

  • Facilitation of KADIWA ni Ani at Kita markets and enterprise development

• Research, Training, and Innovation Hubs:

  • Linkages with state universities and colleges (SUCs) for technology validation and capacity building

• Regulatory and Licensing Services:

  • Compliance inspection, farm accreditation, and product certification under DA mandates

Specialization and Core USP

DA-RFO XIII’s unique advantage lies in its deep regional engagement and coordination with local government units (LGUs), ensuring that programs are contextually adapted to Caraga’s resource-rich, disaster-prone, and indigenous-populated zones.

Key unique selling propositions include:

• Localized Program Delivery: Strong collaboration with LGUs ensures grassroots implementation.
• Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Integrates efforts of farmer cooperatives, academe, civil society, and private sector.
• Climate Adaptation Programs: Implements special programs for disaster rehabilitation and climate-smart technologies.

Financials

As a public agency, DA-RFO XIII receives annual funding from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and special program allocations:

• Budget Allocation (2023): Estimated PHP 1.5–1.7 billion, inclusive of banner programs, farm inputs, infrastructure, and special projects
• Program Coverage: Benefitting over 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk annually across all Caraga provinces

Shipment and International Exposure

While DA-RFO XIII does not directly engage in trade, its interventions support the production of exportable commodities including coconut, banana, and abaca:

• Enabled Agri-Export Readiness: Through GAP certification and enterprise clustering
• Linkages with DTI and DA-AMAS: For market development of processed goods and high-value crops

Target Market

• Smallholder Farmers and Fisherfolk
• Agricultural Cooperatives and Associations
• LGUs and Provincial Agriculturists
• Agri-MSMEs and Entrepreneurs
• Youth and Women in Agriculture

Capabilities

• Full Regional Operations Network: With provincial satellite offices and program implementers
• Data-Driven Program Planning: Uses geo-mapping, weather analytics, and community-based participatory monitoring
• Technology Promotion: Promotes integrated farming systems and innovations from DA research agencies

Certifications and Compliance

• Implements national compliance standards for:
  • PhilGAP (Good Agricultural Practices)
  • Organic Agriculture RA 10068
  • PhilRice and BAI Certifications for seed and livestock producers

Customer Testimonials

• "DA-RFO XIII gave us access to seeds, training, and equipment that helped increase our yield by 30%." — Rice Farmer, Agusan del Sur
• "We were able to start our goat enterprise because of the livestock dispersal program." — Women Farmers Group, Surigao del Norte

Major Achievements

• Established over 50 Farmers’ Associations and Cooperatives with mechanized equipment and training
• Distributed more than 500,000 planting materials (banana, cacao, coffee, coconut) in 2022–2023
• Completed 75 small irrigation and infrastructure projects in partnership with LGUs
• Hosted the 2023 Caraga Agri-Trade Expo, linking local farmers to regional and national buyers

DA-RFO XIII remains at the forefront of agricultural development in the Caraga region, bridging the gap between policy and practice while empowering communities toward food security and economic growth.