LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Some 300 farmers gathered on November 18 at Barangay Asin East in Malasiqui town, for the Provincial Corporate Farming: Rice Production Field Day and Launching of the Palay Procurement Project. The event, organized by the Provincial Government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculture Office, aims to boost rice production in the province and increase farmers’ yield and income.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who spearheaded the initiative, reiterated his commitment to support local farmers by purchasing their palay. This project is part of the Provincial Corporate Farming Program, an innovative program of the present administration, has made significant strides in expanding the agricultural productivity of local farmers since its introduction in the last quarter of 2022.
Since its launch, the project now covers 1,272.47 hectares or more from the initial area of about 418 hectares, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist earlier reported, with notable increases in corn and palay production. In 2024, corn production rose by 18.88% to 32.56%, while palay harvest increased by 13.59% during the dry cropping season of 2023-2024.
Earlier, Governor Guico announced the expansion of the province’s corporate farming program, aiming to include more farmers. Participating farmers are provided with free seedlings and farm machinery, promoting consolidation of farms and resources under a corporate farming model. He emphasizes that corporate farming leads to higher yields and lower production costs, making agriculture a lucrative and sustainable economic enterprise.
The Palay Procurement Project will provide farmers with a stable market for their produce, ensuring a fair price and increased income. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,448 individual farmer members from 54 farmer cooperative associations across the province.
As a support, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on October 13, 2025, has approved Provincial Resolution No. 859-2925, authorizing the governor to ink a partnership with the National Food Authority for the implementation of Palay Procurement Project, utilizing the Corporate Farming Rice Processing System and its service components as marketing support to the Provincial Corporate Farming Program of the province.
(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
