The Department of Agriculture (DA) has named Bulacan the top-performing province in Central Luzon for its implementation of national agricultural programs, regional officials announced.

The DA-Regional Field Office III ranking recognizes provinces that effectively execute the agency’s “banner programs,” which include initiatives for rice, corn and high-value crops. Bulacan secured the first-place spot, while Zambales was ranked second for its performance in the 2025 fiscal year rice program.

Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando credited the achievement to the province’s farmers and agricultural workers.

“This recognition is the result of the hard work, perseverance and unity of our agricultural workers and farmers,” Fernando said. “Their sacrifices and dedication ensure food security for Bulacan and the entire region.”

Ma. Gloria SF. Carrillo, head of the Provincial Agriculture Office, said the province’s interventions are designed specifically to improve the livelihoods of local farmers, whom she described as the backbone of the local economy.

The regional office also honored individual agricultural extension workers for their field performance. Raymart C. Santiago of the Bulacan Provincial Agriculture Office ranked fourth in the region for his work with high-value crops, while Magdalena H. Angeles of Doña Remedios Trinidad ranked seventh in the same category.

In Zambales, Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. attributed his province’s second-place finish to the coordinated efforts of the Provincial Agriculture Office, led by former provincial agriculturist Crisostomo R. Rabaca.

Ebdane cited the work of supervising agriculturist Arnel V. Abayan and rice program coordinator Marife C. Ibarra, among others, for their roles in managing the province’s 2025 harvest and agricultural programs.

“This is a testament to a bountiful harvest, efficient management and tireless efforts toward the continuous development of the agricultural sector in our province,” Ebdane said.