DA Pushes Food Hubs, Solar Irrigation to Support Ifugao Farmers
TINOC, Ifugao — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is rolling out both short- and long-term measures—including food hubs and solar-powered irrigation systems—to help farmers in Ifugao cope with rising fuel costs and protect the vegetable supply chain.
During a consultation with local stakeholders, DA Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Atayde said the agency is preparing interventions to cushion the impact of the global oil crisis on food production and distribution.
“This is a global challenge, but we must continue our food production efforts. The DA has both immediate and long-term plans, and consultations like these are meant to prevent similar disruptions in the future,” Atayde said.
The meeting, held with officials from the DA-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), local government units, and Ifugao Governor Jerry Dalipog, gathered grassroots recommendations to improve agricultural resilience.
Among the key proposals were the repair of farm-to-market roads damaged by Typhoon Uwan in November 2025, the installation of solar-powered irrigation systems to replace fuel-dependent pumps, and expanded livelihood programs such as livestock raising.
Atayde said two farm-to-market road projects have already received initial approval, pending completion of documentation requirements. He also inspected a solar-powered modular cold storage facility that is ready for installation once key components arrive.
Tinoc Mayor Samson Benito said the facility will run entirely on solar energy, eliminating electricity costs and making it sustainable for long-term use.
Meanwhile, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Jennilyn Dawayan noted that while vegetable supply remains stable, transportation costs have tripled—forcing some farmers to leave produce unharvested due to high logistics expenses. To address this, the DA is considering fuel subsidies, transport discounts, and expanded use of Kadiwa trucks to link farmers directly to markets.
As part of its long-term strategy, the DA is also coordinating with its Region 1 (Ilocos) office to establish a food hub. The facility will consolidate produce from multiple regions for more efficient shipment to the Visayas and Mindanao, helping reduce overall logistics costs and prevent future supply chain disruptions.
Tinoc remains a key vegetable-producing area in the region, with more than 4,000 hectares devoted to crops such as cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
