Department of Agriculture XI - Corn Program

On April 6, 2026, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI – Corn Program conducted a quick visit to the farmer cooperator, Mario Yoshida, located in Barangay Candalian, Baguio District, Davao City.

During the visit, soil sample collection was also carried out for soil analysis.

On March 24, 2026, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI – Corn Program successfully conducted planting activities in Tagum City, the designated Derby Site of Davao del Norte. The activity was carried out in close coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Office of Davao del Norte, the City Agriculturist Office of Tagum City, and various private seed companies that generously sponsored the planting materials and agricultural inputs used for the Corn Derby.

The team also extends its sincere appreciation to the farmer cooperator who willingly hosted and supported the implementation of this program.

LAAK, DAVAO DE ORO | The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI, through the Corn Program, conducted an initial briefing to the Municipal Agriculture Office of Laak to inform them about the upcoming Corn Model Farm Project that will be established for the KSALON Cluster, which will serve as the beneficiary of the said program.

DA XI Corn Program team met with the Municipal Agriculturist, Christopher Malayan to discuss the details and implementation of the program. Mr. Malayan also raised thier concern on the lack of postharvest equipment and facilities needed by thwir corn farmers.

The team also met with the officials of the cluster to provide an orientation regarding the program, together with a message of support from the LGU Laak.

The officials of the KISALON Cluster expressed their gratitude to the agency for visiting and introducing the program.

The team also visited a Cassava farmer with a 70 hectare planted with cassava since 2022 to talk about issues of cassava industry he has encountered to be raised in the Mindanao Cassava Stakeholders Meeting on Mar. 26, 2026 in CDOm

The activity was conducted on March 12, 2026 in Barangay Longanapan and Kapatagan, Laak, Davao de Oro.

Malita, Davao Occidental | The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI, through its Corn Program, conducted a site visitation and validation in Sitio Mabuhay, Brgy. Little Baguio, Malita, Davao Occidental for the implementation of the Corn Derby.

In coordination with the Provincial Agriculturist Office through the Provincial Corn Coordinator, the team conducted soil sampling for laboratory analysis to determine the appropriate fertilizer recommendations for the area. A brief orientation was also provided to the farmer-cooperator regarding the proper implementation of the project, covering activities from land preparation up to harvesting.

The Corn Derby aims to showcase the performance of different corn varieties from participating seed companies, allowing farmers to observe and evaluate which varieties are best suited to the local conditions.

The farmers expressed their sincere appreciation to the personnel for conducting the visitation and for the continuous support extended to the farming community.

Talaingod, Davao del Norte | The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI – Corn Program conducted a validation of farmers located in Uraya, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, particularly the members of the Melaku Southern Highland Association. The activity was conducted in coordination with the staff from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAgrO) of Talaingod, led by Mr. Dexter May-as, Municipal Agriculturist of Talaingod.

During the activity, the team provided reminders and additional information to the farmers regarding the project that will be implemented in their area. The farmers expressed great appreciation and happiness as they will be among the beneficiaries of interventions from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI.

The intervention to be provided to the association is the establishment of a Cassava Model Farm covering a total area of 30 hectares, which will be utilized for cassava production. This initiative aims to enhance cassava production in the area and support the livelihood of the farmers through improved farming practices and technical assistance from the Department of Agriculture.

TAGUM CITY | The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI – Corn Program conducted a White Corn Derby Site Visitation and Validation in Brgy. Pagsabangan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte on February 27, 2026.

The team coordinated with the City Agriculturist Office – Tagum regarding the criteria and procedures to be undertaken by the LGU in implementing the Derby. The objectives of the project were also clearly discussed in collaboration with the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAGRO) – Davao del Norte.

Soil samples were likewise collected for analysis to determine the appropriate fertilizer recommendations to be used for corn production in the area.

The farmer-cooperator was also oriented on his roles and responsibilities, including the benefits he may receive from participating in the Derby, as well as the criteria he needs to comply with during the implementation of the project.

MATI CITY | The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI (DA RFO XI) – Corn Program conducted a White Corn Derby Site Visitation and Validation in Mati City, Davao Oriental on February 26, 2026.

The activity was carried out through the coordination and cooperation of the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office, led by the Provincial Corn Coordinator and staff. One (1) prospective area was successfully validated for the Corn Derby.

During the visitation, the team measured and verified the one (1) hectare land requirement to ensure compliance with the standards for the Corn Derby activities. Soil samples were also collected for laboratory analysis to determine the appropriate fertilizer recommendations and nutrient management suited for corn production in the area.

DON MARCELINO | The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI – Corn Program conducted a Corn Derby Site Visitation and Validation in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental on February 24, 2026.

The activity was carried out in coordination with the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office through the Provincial Corn Coordinator and in cooperation with the Municipal Agriculturist Office of Don Marcelino.

During the visit to the identified areas, none met the White Corn Derby criteria. In view of this, the team recommended rescheduling another site visitation to assess additional potential areas within Davao Occidental for the Corn Derby implementation.

Did you know soybeans aren’t just a crop, it’s a soil superhero?

Soybean is a nitrogen-fixing legume, meaning it teams up with beneficial bacteria in its roots to capture nitrogen straight from the air!

Here’s the cool part:
For every 1 ton of soybeans harvested, about 50 kg of nitrogen is naturally left behind in the soil.

That means richer, healthier land for the next crop — without extra fertilizer!

Instead of leaving fields empty between rice or corn seasons, farmers can plant soybeans to:
✔ Improve soil fertility
✔ Boost future yields
✔ Produce high-quality plant protein & oil
✔ Maximize land use

So soybean isn’t just planted for harvest —
It’s planted to improve the future of the farm. 💚