In the quiet upland areas of Agusan del Sur, the journey to productive farming once felt like a steep climb—literally and figuratively. The remote locations and outdated farming methods often left local rice farmers at the mercy of poor yields and unpredictable conditions.
For years, farmers relied on traditional farming, planting “good seeds” from previous harvests that were stored in recycled containers, often exposed to moisture and pests, which resulted in low germination rates, uneven growth, poor pest resistance, and mediocre yields. Worse, due to their fields’ remote location, access to government agricultural support was minimal; they were often overlooked.
But that was before the birth of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program. With nothing but two wheels and a pair of makeshift “wings” built for the roughest roads, RCEF Seed and the local government of San Luis, Agusan del Sur found their way through winding trails and steep climbs—proving that mountains could be scaled in the name of service.
RCEF Seeds launched a focused initiative to reach far-flung farming communities. From then on, high-quality inbred certified seeds finally reached the farmers of Sitio San Diego, Barangay Nuevo Trabajo, one of the many sitios and barangays served by the Program.
In San Diego, the seeds were delivered directly by “habal-habal” motorcycle taxis that roared through rough terrain and steep hills, led by the municipal agricultural technologist and the barangay counterpart as they navigated narrow roads and muddy trails, all to make sure no farmer was left behind.
What seemed like a small act was, to the community, a turning point. Farmers did not have to leave their homes or spend on transportation as seeds were delivered straight to their sitio’s gathering area, on time, and at no cost.
“We are grateful to the RCEF Seed Program for the regular supply of free certified seeds,” Agricultural Technologist Joan Salinas Burdeos said. “Before, seeds were scarce. Now, all farmers get their share that helps them plant synchronously.”
In the past, planting schedules were staggered. Some waited weeks to secure seeds, while others planted early, exposing the fields to uneven growth stages, pest outbreaks, and lower yields. The availability of certified seeds, thanks to the LGU’s delivery efforts, enabled the sitio to reach its major turning point for synchronous planting—a method where the community plants within a month.
For Jovani Gaud, chairman of the San Diego Farmers Association, the timely release of seeds made the difference. “It was well-timed. Before, only a few could plant, especially since our area is prone to flooding. Now, with the timely delivery, farmers in our community can practice synchronous planting.”
The results speak for themselves. Synchronous planting reduced the risk of pest and disease outbreaks and boosted harvests. Farmers who once reaped barely 1.25t/ha are now producing at least 3t/ha because they have access to certified seeds.
Seeds for the family, strength for the community
Farming has always been a way of life for Jovy G. Macario, but the regular access to high-quality certified seeds has brought real improvement to her farming life. With varieties such as NSIC Rc 222, NSIC Rc 160, and NSIC Rc 402, she reported visible improvements in their fields—healthier tillers, fuller grains, and resilient crops.
“If we continue to reuse good seeds, our crops won’t grow well. With RCEF, we get to try other varieties. We’re thankful for this long-term help,” Macario said.
After four years of receiving certified seeds, Reneboy G. Macario has seen a clear shift in their community’s planting practices. With nearly all the seeds germinating and harvests increasing, what was once a discouraging task has now become a source of renewed hope and motivation for farmers like him.
“Since RCEF came, things have changed. We now plant synchronously because we have enough seeds. Almost 100% of them germinate, and our harvests are higher, which is really encouraging,” he said.
What began as support for one farming family has grown into a wave of change across Sitio San Diego. For Jovani, Jovy, Reneboy, and the other farmers in Sitio San Diego, the RCEF Seed Program brought more than just seeds. It revived their confidence in farming. With access to certified seeds, the sitio is no longer a neglected mountain village; it is now an empowered farming community.
