The National Corn Program (NCP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) was in Siquijor for a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Helen, Larena, Siquijor.

The activity, which is part of the visit of Director Milo Delos Reyes of the NCP was aimed to assess the corn production situation in the province, gaining insights on the current performance, and listen to the challenges being encountered by local stakeholders in the implementation of the corn program.

In his address, Director Delos Reyes encouraged the municipal agriculturists to establish corn clusters, which is a collaborative strategy that enables corn farmers to avail of government-provided machinery and equipment.

He emphasized that clustering is the key to enhance production, strengthen market linkages, and improve access to post-harvest facilities.

Delos Reyes also underscored the critical importance of food sufficiency, especially in the island provinces like Siquijor, which can become vulnerable during emergencies or supply chain disruptions.

“Napakahalaga ng pagkakaroon ng food sufficiency, lalo na sa mga panahong kritikal kung kailan maaaring limitado ang access o may supply blockage,” he stressed.

Lastly, he posed a challenge to all municipal agriculturists and agricultural extension workers who attended the meeting to expand their corn production areas and increase its yield in order to uplift the province’s agricultural output.