Oriental Mindoro Boosts Food Security with ₱2.258  Million Worth of Rice and Onion Seed Distribution

The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, through the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAgO), reaffirmed its commitment to food security and agricultural development with the successful implementation of the Rice and Onion Seed Distribution held on  November 20, 2025 at the Provincial Demo Farm in Brgy. Merit,    Victoria. The initiative, amounting to ₱2.258 million, aims to strengthen farmer cooperatives, increase agricultural output, and sustain Oriental Mindoro’s position as a key producer of rice and onions in the MIMAROPA region. The program’s funding was divided into two core components: ₱1,748,000.00 allocated for rice seeds and ₱510,000.00 for onion seeds.

Under the rice seed distribution, nine Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) across seven municipalities received support through two major provincial programs: the Binhian sa Barangay Program and the Mindoro Rice Branding Program.

A total of 100 bags of Registered Rice Seeds worth ₱200,000.00 were distributed to five FCAs in Mansalay, Calapan, Baco, Victoria, and Gloria. Beneficiaries of the Binhian sa Barangay Program are required to return 40 kilograms of certified seeds after harvest to sustain the province’s community seed banking system.

In addition, 860 bags of Certified Rice Seeds valued at ₱1,548,000.00 were allocated to four FCAs in Naujan and Bansud. This support forms part of the Mindoro Rice Branding Program, which seeks to strengthen the identity, quality, and market presence of Mindoro’s premium rice varieties.

Meanwhile, the ₱510,000.00 onion seed distribution focused exclusively on the province’s onion capital, municipality of Bulalacao. A total of 150 cans of Red Onion seeds and 9 cans of White Onion seeds were provided to 22 FCAs, reinforcing the municipality’s vital role as a leading onion-producing area in Southern Luzon.

With continued efforts from PAgO, Oriental Mindoro remains committed to improving production support services, strengthening farmer capacity, and sustaining the growth of high-value crops particularly rice and onion, which remain pillars of the province’s agricultural economy.●