High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) is one of the banner programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) mandated to contribute for the attainment of the food-sufficiency, economic growth and improvement of consumer’s health and well-being.

Last February 17, 2022, Thursday at the City Agriculture Office Compound, 12,500 meters of HDPE Pipes were turned over to 11 recipients who were the members of the Malaybalay Vegetable and Industrial Crop Association (MAVEGICA) namely: Sinanglanan Vegetable Growers, Damitan Vegetable Growers, Banana Growers Association, Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Community Participatory Approach Research (CPAR), Panguma nga Haum ug Inatu nga Malahutayon Farmers (PHIMFA) Inc., Coffee Cluster, Jaya Secret Garden Learning Site, HVCC Techno Demo, Casisang Agro-Eco Farmers Association and Blue Monkey Farm.

The turnover ceremony was conducted along with the presence of Acting Assistant City Agriculturist Engr. Naomie H. Delos Reyes, Supervising Agriculturist Vic Ian T. Alcontin, and MAVEGICA Chairperson Francisco Calotes Jr.

Engr. Delos Reyes had spoken the importance of HDPE Pipes in supporting the production of different high value commercial crops. This would help the associations’ members in increasing the quality and quantity of their produce since irrigation requirement will be fairly provided.

On the other hand, Mr. Calotes expressed his gratitude and encouraged every member of the association to cooperate in continuing their efforts for the development of the industry.

Provision of HDPE pipes will help sustain the aim of the DA to establish irrigation network services.

Moreover, the goal of increasing production, intensifying income and livelihood opportunities among small producers and adding access to affordable, safe and healthy food.

By: Gecel Quinquiño-Ocon, Agri-NADA