DA RFO 8 - Maisan OTSO

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Warmest congratulations to Dir. Rodel G. Macapañas on his appointment as Director IV / Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture RFO VIII.

From your designation as OIC–Regional Executive Director in September 2025 to your steadfast leadership as Chief of the Field Operations Division, your dedication, integrity, and hands-on guidance have left a lasting impact on the region and on all of us who have worked closely with you.

The DARFO VIII Field Operations Division – Corn Program is proud to have been part of your journey. We are confident that under your leadership, the agriculture sector of Eastern Visayas—especially our corn farmers—will continue to thrive and reach even greater heights.

Congratulations and more power, RED Rodel! We look forward to your continued leadership and service. 🌽🌾

Our warmest congratulations to 𝐃𝐢𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐆. 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧̃𝐚𝐬 on his appointment as 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈 of the Department of Agriculture RFO 8.

Prior to his appointment as Director III, RED Macapañas was designated as OIC- Regional Executive Director in September 2025, following his leadership as Chief of the Field Operations Division. With his track record and experiences in the department, we believe that he will raise the agriculture sector of Eastern Visayas to greater heights.

Congratulations and more power, 𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥!

30/01/2026

26/01/2026

Warmest birthday wishes to our leader at DA-RFO 8, OIC-Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapañas!

The DA-RFO 8 family celebrates your leadership today. May you have a fruitful year ahead as we continue to work together for a food-secure Eastern Visayas!

Happy Birthday, Sir Rodel!

20/01/2026

25/11/2025

12/08/2025

| Farmer’s Field Day on Sweet Corn held in Ormoc City
A successful Farmer’s Field Day focused on equipping farmers with the essential skills on sweet corn production was held last July 30, 2025, in Barangay Lao, Ormoc City.
Key stakeholders in the corn industry, including local officials, farmers, and representatives from the private sector were present. Prominent private agricultural companies—Allied Botanical Inc., RAMGO, and ADVANTA— held product demonstrations and exhibits which enabled farmers to observe and evaluate the distinct physical characteristics, sweetness, and overall performance of the different sweet corn varieties on display.
Throughout the day-long activity, farmers engaged in practical discussions and gained firsthand experience in comparing the productivity and quality of sweet corn hybrids. The event served as a conducive platform for knowledge sharing and technical exposure among farmer participants.
During the program, Hon. Tomas R. Serafica made a noteworthy suggestion to the participating private companies where he encouraged the provision of discounts on agricultural inputs and seeds rather than freebies and giveaways, as a more sustainable and beneficial approach to supporting farmers.
The field day concluded with optimism for improved sweet corn yields and strengthened partnerships for the development of the corn sector in the region. # # #
Report/ Photo Credits: Corn Program

12/08/2025

Regional Outstanding Corn Program Awardees Honored During Pasidungog at DA’s 127th Anniversary

In celebration of the 127th founding anniversary of the Department of Agriculture, outstanding individuals under the Corn Program were recognized during the Pasidungog held on July 7, 2025, at the People’s Centre & Library in Tacloban City.

The event, organized by DA Regional Field Office 8, highlighted the exceptional contributions of corn farmers, agricultural workers, and stakeholders across Eastern Visayas who have shown excellence, dedication, and innovation in corn production and development.

Recognized Regional Outstanding Corn Program Awardees

Biliran

Ms. Charlie C. Veril
Ms. Charina T. Sabinay
Ms. Chessa S. Lumbaca
Ms. April Rose V. Lipaopao

Eastern Samar

Ms. Rosebeth A. Cotin
Ms. Ma. Jane A. Rapis
Ms. Roseby C. Dacula

Southern Leyte

Mr. Gersan S. Gerong
Ms. Cristita A. Clava
Mr. Nido C. Canon

Leyte

Mr. Eduardo Y. Zabala
Ms. Fe F. Valenzona
Ms. Jovielyn S. Gallaron
Ms. Vanissa A. Badion
Mr. Danilo G. Mutya
Mr. Dave L. Gozo
Mr. Jessie S. Lauron
Ms. Mae Rose Salvae T. Panta
Ms. Virlanie A. Cartagena
Ms. Anchienel A. Gonzales

Samar

Ms. Michelle D. Roasol
Ms. Nenita Y. Albat
Ms. Angeline D. Tomalabcad

Northern Samar

Ms. Rica D. Alo
Ms. Ailene S. Ortecio

These awardees represent the best of the region’s corn sector—individuals who not only embody the spirit of perseverance and innovation but also contribute meaningfully to ensuring food security and agricultural advancement in Eastern Visayas.

The Pasidungog served as a platform to not only celebrate milestones of the Department but also to inspire others in the agricultural community to continue striving for excellence and sustainability in their practices.

13/04/2025

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8, through the Corn Program conducted its batch 2 of Stakeholder's Planning Worshop cm Provincial/City/Municipal Corn Coordinators Meeting in Almeria,Biliran last March 27-28,2025.

The said activity were attended by the Provincial/City/Municipal Corn Coordinators from Leyte,So.Leyte and Biliran Provinces.Present also on the activity were assigned APCOs on the said provinces.

Mr. Leandro Baula,the Regional Corn Program Coordinator provided the Situationer and Performance of Corn and Cassava Industry in the region.Additionally, Mr. Wilfredo S.Polic,Jr. the Provincial Point Person of Leyte presented the major program inteventions on Production Support Services and Extension Support Education and Training Services for the three Provinces.For the Provision of Agricultural Equipment and Facilities guidelines and major intervions,it was presented by Mr. Ian Mae Israel.Moreover,topics on Reporting and Crop Pest Monitoring Protocol were discussed by Ms Melba B. Agosto.

Another highlight on the said activity was worskhop on area validation,planting calendar, issues and concerns and CY 2026 interventions. The output of the workshop from three provinces were presented by their representatives.

07/04/2025

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8, through the Corn Program conducted a Stakeholder's Planning Workshop cm Provincial/City/Municipal Corn Coordinators Meeting in Catbalogan City, Samar last March 25-26,2025.

The first batch activity were attended by the Provincial/City/Municipal Corn Coordinators from Samar Island Provinces.

Mr. Leandro Baula,the Regional Corn Program Coordinator provided the Situationer and Performance of Corn and Cassava Industry in the region.He also discussed the the Natioanal Program Plans and Directives for CY 2026-2028.Additionally, Ms Jane Gwyneth C. Bula,the Provincial Point Person of Samar presented the major program inteventions on Production Support Services and Extension Support Education and Training Services for the three Provinces.For the Provision of Agricultural Equipment and Facilities guidelines and major intervions,it was presented by Engr.Jeszel S.Mende-Cabillo.Moreover,topics on Reporting and Crop Pest Monitoring Protocol were discussed by Ms Melba B. Agosto.

Another highlight on the said activity was worskhop on area validation,planting calendar, issues and concerns and CY 2026 interventions. The output per province was presented by the provincial representatives.

26/03/2025

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 8, in partnership with the Local Government of Merida, Office of the Provincial Agriculture – Leyte, and partner seed companies, successfully hosted the 1st Corn Derby Harvest Festival and Farmers-Cooperators Forum on March 20-21, 2025, in Merida, Leyte.

The sites set up in Sitio Tubod, Brgy Lamanoc, were visited by local farmers from Merida and neighboring LGUs, as well as their agricultural extension workers from several districts of Leyte. Attendees had the opportunity to explore and compare different corn seed varieties, fertilizers, soil conditioners, and pest management techniques, as well as participate in brief discussions on new technologies developed for corn production.

What started as a 5-hectare land for the corn derby expanded to 10 hectares, involving 10 farmer-cooperators and attracting additional farming companies to participate in the event.

This week, the designated corn derby committee will conduct a crop cutting activity to gather yield output data from each site.