MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Northern Mindanao’s farmers and fisherfolk are set to benefit from two major government-backed food hubs aimed at boosting production, expanding market access, and strengthening the region’s agricultural value chain.

The first, a P1.97-billion Bukidnon Food Hub, was formalized in a memorandum of agreement signed on 26 November between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bukidnon provincial government. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called it a flagship project of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, designed to consolidate, process and distribute high-value crops more efficiently.

“This initiative aims to reinforce our agri-food systems, enhance market linkages, and uplift the livelihoods of our farmers and fisherfolk across the region,” Laurel said.

The Bukidnon hub will rise in Barangay Dicklum, Manolo Fortich, serving as a central point for processing and trading crops from key agricultural towns. It will link producers to air and seaports in Cagayan de Oro City, opening doors to domestic and international markets. Facilities will include an ice plant, cold storage units, dryers and dehydrators, processing and packaging areas, and sorting and grading sections.

Laurel also announced plans for a second hub in Misamis Oriental, to be built at the Provincial Agriculture Development Complex in Claveria. This facility will feature its own processing and storage facilities to support local farmers and fisherfolk.

Bukidnon is Northern Mindanao’s agriculture powerhouse, contributing nearly 69 percent — or P129 billion — of the region’s total agriculture, forestry, and fisheries output in 2023, while Misamis Oriental contributed around 10 percent. Laurel said the hubs will help create a more efficient, competitive, and resilient food value chain, supporting the DA’s push for market-oriented communities and increased regional economic growth.

Local leaders have welcomed the project.

Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque said, “This investment will elevate our agricultural sector to new heights. Our contribution to food production may even double once this hub becomes operational.”