The Ilocos Region (Region 1) sustains its lead in agriculture with more than 100 percent food sufficiency, Regional Development Council (RDC) 1 chairperson and outgoing Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said on Thursday.

In his State of the Region Address (SORA) in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Manotoc said transformative initiatives, such as the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), have empowered farmers to boost their productivity.

“In 2024, our agriculture sector saw real gains with the completion of more than 80 farm-to-market roads funded through the General Appropriations Act, significantly improving access to markets and lowering transport costs,” he said.

The Farm and Fisheries Consolidation and Clustering (F2C2) program, Manotoc added, also formed nearly 80 farming clusters across more than 25,000 hectares, enhancing productivity and market access for farmers.

Amid strong typhoons that hit this part of Luzon, affected farmers and fisherfolk were able to cope with more than PHP2.1 billion in recovery and rehabilitation aid from the government to restore their livelihood, rebuild damaged infrastructure, as well as subsidize farm inputs, the Ilocos Norte governor said.

“We have maintained over 100 percent food sufficiency. Our palay production is at 180 percent, corn at 250 percent, and fish at 119 percent, ensuring food security for the region with a surplus,” he added.

Manotoc thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his vision and strong support, which continue to drive major infrastructure and development projects across the Ilocos Region.

“After three years as your RDC chair, our RDC is now better positioned to lead, coordinate, and deliver results that reach every corner of our beloved region. We will continue to help our leaders secure the projects our people need,” he said.

The Ilocos Region is a top producer of high-value crops like mango, tobacco, garlic, and tomato, while ranking second in the production of onion, third in palay, and fifth in corn. (PNA)