In the Philippines, Region 2 comprises the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Isabela, Cagayan and the island province of Batanes. With the booming farming and gardening activities in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), the Department of Agriculture (DA) now considers the region a major supplier of quality vegetables. The province of Nueva Vizcaya is taking the lead.
DA Undersecretary Evelyn Laviña said they were eyeing Nueva Vizcaya as a major source of vegetables next to the Cordillera Region: “We are always looking at Nueva Vizcaya, next to Cordillera, as a source of quality and quantity vegetables in the country.”
She added that the vegetable industry in the province has a bright future with the existence of the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT), supportive local government units, organized farmers, and strong private sector support.
The NVAT supplies vegetables from the upland towns of Kayapa and Kasibu — tagged as Nueva Vizcaya’s vegetable bowls — to the Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 1 (Ilocos Region), National Capital Region (Metro Manila), Region 3 (Central Luzon) and as far as Region 4B (Mimaropa).
According to the Manila Times, DA statistics showed that Region 2 has devoted 12,226 hectares, with 47,659 hectares as expansion area, to lowland vegetables, while 1,398 hectares are devoted for upland varieties, with 24,444 hectares expansion area.
