BAGUIO CITY – In line with the celebration of High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Week, various stakeholders from the Cordillera region gathered on April 8 at the DA-ATI CAR grounds to highlight the importance of high value crops (HVCs) in achieving sustainable food systems, improving livelihoods, and strengthening regional food security.
HVCDP Week, observed every April, is rooted in Republic Act 7900 or the High-Value Crops Development Act of 1995, which supports the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of high value crops in the Philippines.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Cristine Esnara, the ATI-CAR HVCDP Focal Person, who emphasized the relevance of high value crops to both lowland and highland communities. Messages of support were delivered by key representatives from DA-CAR, ATI-CAR, CVAO, BSU, and BPI, all echoing the theme “Pagkaing Sapat, Masustansya Dapat.”
ATI-CAR Director Charlie Sagudan highlighted the Cordillera region’s role as a major producer of vegetables, accounting for about 80% of the country’s supply. He underscored the value of youth engagement in agriculture, especially through international exchange programs that equip young farmers with skills and capital to start their own agri-enterprises.
Freda Pagaduan, DA-CAR HVCDP Alternate Focal Person, shared on of their goals for the HVCDP Week which is to give support to nutrition education through programs like Gulayan sa Paaralan.
She discussed DA Administrative Order No. 9, Series of 2021, which initially focused on rice seed production but has since expanded to include corn and high-value crops. The order aims to reduce reliance on imported seeds, targeting 60% local seed production by 2025.
While the Cordilleras successfully produce about 80% of highland crops such as potatoes, carrots, and beans, challenges remain for cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli due to their need for vernalization, a process requiring cold winter temperatures. To address this, the DA is promoting open-pollinated varieties and has partnered with Benguet State University to locally produce snap beans, potatoes, and strawberries for farmer distribution, reinforcing the region’s agricultural contribution.
Meanwhile, Divina Jose from BPI-Baguio shared that the agency proudly maintains a diverse collection of crop species, including 34 varieties of snap beans, 9 pole bean varieties, and 40 bush bean varieties, thanks in part to the RP-German Fruit Tree Program, which also helped build the largest citrus collection.
She noted that seed characterization and conservation remain top priorities, with additional collections of uncharacterized pole and bush beans and 24 varieties currently in cold storage.
She also shared that it is part of the mandate of BPI to multiply or produce seeds for our farmer. She emphasized that while BPI provides initial planting materials, seed conservation must be a shared responsibility. Through seed sharing activities, communities help preserve indigenous and native varieties, ensuring plant continuity even when crops fail. Farmers are encouraged to recycle, save, and multiply seeds as a step toward sustainable agriculture.
She also explained that through seed sharing activities, communities help preserve indigenous and native plant varieties, ensuring continuity even when crops fail. Farmers are encouraged to recycle and save seeds, and to actively contribute to the sustainability of local agriculture.
CVAO’s Engr. Marcelina Tabelin shared the efforts of Baguio city government in promoting agriculture. She shared that the city has institutionalized the Kadiwa ng Pangulo to ensure that constituents are provided with cheap and fresh vegetables. The 4H program of ATI has also been institutionalized, stressing the importance of introducing children to agriculture early on to encourage better food choices.
BSU-HRTI Director Jemma Rose Kilakil talked about ongoing research collaborations and a new project aimed at addressing the issue of vegetable oversupply through better market access and value-adding strategies.
A key highlight of the celebration was the Seed Sharing activity led by Dr. Aida Pagtan of DA-CAR. This meaningful exchange allowed participants from Baguio, La Trinidad, Tuba, Tublay, Kapangan, Tabuk City and Pangasinan to bring and share open pollinated native and heirloom seeds, while also recounting personal stories tied to these crops.
Amelia Montes shared Tawa-Tawa seeds, which was used by her community for healing. Cristina Tolero contributed mulberry seeds from her community, and Connie Sotero recounted how her native pechay helped her parents support her studies. Other participants brought beans of all sort, adlai, passion fruit, sugar beet, mustard, sweet peas, and ornamentals each with a story and cultural significance. One participant remarked that the activity wasn’t just about seed exchange but also about preserving heritage.
The celebration ended with a Fresh Salad and Dressing Contest that showcased the creativity and resourcefulness of participating farmers, youth, and students. Using locally sourced high value crops, contestants prepared colorful and nutritious dishes, blending traditional and modern culinary practices. The event served as a vibrant reminder of the region’s agricultural potential, cultural richness, and community spirit. By Alyssa Dawn Alalag
