The Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon conducted the 1^st Semester Assessment of the Corn Banner Program at the Farm Ridge in the town of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on 15 July 2026.

According to the DA Central Luzon, representatives of the Corn Banner Program collated all the assessment from various provinces in the region to present and scrutinize the programs, projects, and activities that were conducted or implemented during the first half of the year.

The discussion also tackled the challenges and the important lessons learned in implementing the program for further improvement.

As part of the said program, Field Operations Division Acting Chief Dr. Lowell D. Rebillaco delivered a welcome message, while Regional Executive Director Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr. delivered an inspirational message, and was followed by an overview of the assessment made by Regional Corn Program Coordinator Melody G. Nombre.

Dr. Rebillaco said that the activity was conducted not only to achieve the physical and financial success of the program, but to further organize the whole corn industry in Central Luzon that would result in the development of the rights and livelihood of the farmers.

Director Lapuz said that the Central Luzon is the primary consumer of yellow corn in the country since this is the primary ingredient in making animal feeds that is used by the livestock industry. He added that the region is the primary producer of broiler, second in dairy farming, and currently on the rise in the swine industry from the   African Swine Fever (ASF).

He said that thru the Corn Banner Program, Central Luzon will greatly benefit from the production of corn that will address the needs of the feed industry and support the development of livestock sector.

Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Arthur D. Dayrit, Ph.D. said that Central Luzon has the highest harvest per hectare in the country, with a total of 7-8 metric tonnes per hectare compared to the 4.6MT per hectare from other regions.

This is a testament to the effective strategy and hard work of the DA, especially on corn farmers in the region.

Meanwhile, Engr. Kathleen O. Caingat presented the Provincial and Regional Corn Program, as well as the CY 2025–2026 Accomplishment of the Cassava Projects of Regional Cassava Coordinator Genesis Martin.

Philippine Statistics Authority–Regional Statistical Services Office III official Ardene Z. Torrico also updated the group with the CY 2025–2026 1st Semester Production Performance of the yellow corn white corn, cassava, sorghum, and soybean, as well as the CY 2026 2nd Semester Production Forecast.