CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA has launched the first-ever 1000-hectare rice cluster in the country, specifically in Oriental Mindoro.
Known as the BBM (Biga-Bayanan-Malad) Cluster, the project aims to enhance and improve rice production in the region. It is located in the barangays of Biga, Bayanan 1 and 2, and Malad in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, said DA in a press release.
Under the BBM Cluster initiative, emphasis is placed on the collective efforts, coordination, and cooperation of various stakeholders, including the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) MIMAROPA, Oriental Mindoro Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), and the Calapan City Agricultural Services Department (CASD).
The program’s beneficiaries include members of the Farmers’ Associations (FA) and Irrigators’ Associations (IA) from the barangays of Biga, Bayanan 1 and 2, and Malad, who will receive government support interventions.
“Additionally, the program focuses on expanding farmers’ knowledge of modern rice planting techniques. The rice cluster also aims to ensure higher rice yields by utilizing modern technologies and providing sufficient irrigation,” DA added.
During the launch, Emerson Yago, Program Director for Clustering and Consolidation of the DA’s National Rice Program, emphasized the importance of clustering and how it could help increase rice production.
“Such cooperation is key to more effective food production, which will address the rice supply shortage not only in MIMAROPA but across the entire country,” Yago said.
With the launch of the project, the BBM Cluster is expected to serve as a model for other regions in the Philippines, providing a framework that other areas can adopt to strengthen local rice production and contribute to national food security.
In attendance during the event were Oriental Mindoro Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Renie Madriaga, DA MIMAROPA Rice Program Lead Ronald Degala, Calapan City mayor and CASD head Marilou Morillo, CASD Focal Person Jasper Adriatico, NIA-MIMAROPA Regional Manager Ronilio Cervantes, Provincial Agriculturist Christine Pine, NFA Oriental Mindoro Acting Branch Manager Dennis Mejico, Malad Barangay chairman Hector Africa, and other staff and representatives from the participating agencies and DA’s attached agencies. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
