With the theme, “Pagkaing Sapat, Masustansya Dapat,” the activity underscored the DA’s commitment in promoting not just a food-secured country but also access to safe, nutritious, and quality food through developing a more resilient, modern, and inclusive agricultural sector.

DA Undersecretary for Finance, Director Nora C. Oliveros, who delivered the keynote speech of DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel Jr., affirmed the agency’s strong commitment in providing assistance to the farmers.

“We recognized the challenges that our farmers faced—climate change, market fluctuations, and access to financing and technology. That is why, the DA is actively providing strategic interventions,” she said.

She also encouraged everyone to visit the HVC Week Exhibit showcasing the HVC products across all regions.

“Pay attention to the HVC Week Exhibit. This exhibit showcases the hard work of our farmers, researchers, and industry players who continue to push the boundaries of agricultural excellence,” she added.

One of the main highlights of the celebration was the recognition of the exemplary efforts of HVC farmers across the nation, of which three HVC farmers from Regions II, VIII and Cordillera Administrative Region were recognized for their contributions to agriculture and the national economy.

In addition, Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Alfonso Atayde, in his message, encouraged the farmers and stakeholders to collaborate in striving for food system and market sustainability.

He also posed that DA is moving into a smart agriculture era, and it remains steadfast in providing sustainable, innovative, and inclusive agricultural development that is strategic to the needs of the farming communities.

Moreover, the event highlights the strong commitment of the DA-HVCDP to championing the sector through inclusive programs, smart technologies, and market linkages.

According to the Assistant Secretary for HVC, Sagip-Saka, and Intellectual Property, Atty. Joycel Panlilio, HVC is at the forefront of the mission to ensure accessible, safe, and nutritious food, underscoring that behind every delicious and nutritious Filipino Food, were the high-value crops.

During the event, highlights of the 2024 HVCDP accomplishments were presented and the participants were able to taste the dehydrated HVC Bites.

Apart from the opening program, the DA7-HVCDP displayed various HVC processed products including cacao-based products, peanut-processed products,high-value crop chips, as well as organic healthy blends from the farmer cooperatives and associations, and from the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the region.