Patnongon: Cultivating Success with Bt Corn
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In the heart of Antique province lies Patnongon, a municipality that has transformed its agricultural landscape into a thriving hub of corn production. Just 25 kilometers from the provincial capital and 122 kilometers from Iloilo City, Patnongon has a population of 38,329 and nearly 2,000 dedicated farmers are harnessing the power of biotechnology to elevate their livelihoods, with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn taking center stage. Bt corn covers 5,702.22 hectares, with 1,113.75 hectares devoted to corn farming. The fall armyworm (FAW) threatens corn crops, causing severe damage and overuse of chemical pesticides. However, Bt corn is enhanced through biotechnology to protect against insect pests. Its built-in insect protection comes from a naturally occurring microorganism called Bacillus thuringiensis or “Bt” which resists FAW and has transformed agriculture in Patnongon. Now, 80% to 90% of corn in the municipality is yellow, with 95% being Bt corn.
Strategies for Success
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Patnongon has implemented a series of strategies to boost corn production. The Department of Agriculture (DA) collaborates with the LGU to supply farmers with Bt corn seeds each cropping season, ensuring that these seeds are accessible. The natural resistance of Bt corn to pests and diseases has significantly reduced losses, resulting in more stable yields and making it a preferred choice among farmers.
In addition to these initiatives, Farmers Field School was conducted, and different farmers from various barangays in Patnongon participated. Also, 30 farmers from Brgy. Alvaniz enrolled in the "School on the Air" program through radio broadcasts and social media.
Collaborative Partnerships
The success of Patnongon in corn production is proof of the importance of collaboration and unwavering optimism fuels their determination to solve the gap in corn production. Key partners include the DA, the Patnongon Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the Patnongon Corn Farmers Association, and the Kalipunan ng Mga Magsasaka sa Patnongon.
Mr. Dan Rolyn Dohaylo, a feed mill operator and a member of the Patnongon cooperative, shared their commitment and collective efforts with the farmers to help them overcome challenges.
"We offer financial assistance that covers land preparation and farm inputs. After harvesting, we buy their products at prices higher than the market rate, ensuring they can sustain their livelihoods,” Dohaylo explained.
Since the establishment of corn production in 2022, the cooperative has expanded its initiatives, including a swine production program in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This program supports local feed milling, utilizing corn as a primary ingredient, further solidifying the market for farmers’ crops.
Voices of the Farmers
Like many farmers, Mr. Rex Baldestamon and Rj Apostol have constantly labored to manage their corn farmland, exemplifying the risks and importance of protecting their crops from pests and diseases. Their experiences showcase the tangible benefits—higher yields, lower pest-related losses, and greater profits through the adoption of Bt corn.
"I cultivate five hectares of land and finance an additional twelve. Bt corn has made farming more manageable for me. It’s pest-resistant, yields more, and costs less to maintain," Baldestamon stressed.
While digitalization opens new ways of promoting, Baldestamon inspires corn cultivation on social media, encouraging fellow farmers to embrace this profitable opportunity. "There are buyers for your product. I’m here to help with equipment and provide financial assistance," he added.
A Sustainable Future
With the strategic adoption of Bt corn and the unwavering support from local leaders and organizations, Patnongon is cultivating more than just crops—it is transforming agriculture through modern technologies such as biotechnology. With these collective efforts, Patnongon holds the potential to uplift countless corn farmers not only in their municipality but also in neighboring municipalities—a vital move towards a more sustainable Philippine agriculture.
Benson Z. Munar is a Science Research Analyst at the Department of Agriculture – Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC).
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