National Vegetable Congress 2025 debuts in Iloilo

The National Vegetable Congress will be held in Iloilo for the first time on November 5–7, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign to modernize and revitalize the Philippine vegetable industry.

Organized by the Panay Organization for Progressive Agriculture (POPA Agriculture Cooperative) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the three-day event will take place at the Tamasak Arena in Barotac Nuevo, with the theme: “Innovative. Resilient. Sustainable. Market-Ready: Revitalizing the Vegetable Industry for a Food-Secure Bagong Pilipinas.”

Since 2015, the Congress has rotated across Philippine regions, serving as a national platform for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and policy alignment among farmers, agri-cooperatives, LGUs, and government agencies.

“Hosting the National Vegetable Congress in Iloilo will cast a national spotlight on Region VI as a rising hub for vegetable production, regional food logistics, and climate-smart agricultural practices,” said Dr. Rose Marie N. Conlu, Vice Chairman of POPA Agriculture Cooperative, during the press launch at The Avenue Complex in Iloilo City.

Dr. Conlu emphasized the importance of cooperative-led initiatives and unity among stakeholders in strengthening the vegetable value chain.

Maria Teresa T. Solis, Regional Technical Director for Operations of DA-RFO VI, reiterated the department’s support, noting the role of sustainable practices and inclusive programs in boosting regional productivity.

Chairman of POPA and Congress Committee Chairperson Larry P. Nacionales presented the full program of events, describing the Congress as a platform “about empowering farmers, introducing scalable technologies, and opening space for real policy dialogue.”

“We want to create an environment where innovations are shared, partnerships are formed, and issues are tackled head-on,” Nacionales said.

The event is structured around three major components: farmer empowerment initiatives, technology showcases, and focused policy discussions on sustainable and inclusive vegetable sector growth.

Day 1 will open with the keynote message “Vegetable Farming for a Bagong Pilipinas,” followed by plenary talks from DA Central, BPI, ATI, HVCDP, PCIC, and NSIC, as well as breakout tracks on mechanization, GAP, financing, and cooperative value chains.

A Market Linkage Forum and MOU signings will bridge gaps between producers and buyers, while forums on youth and women in agriculture will highlight inclusive leadership.

On Day 2, stakeholders will engage in a Regional Action Planning Workshop to co-develop a unified Vegetable Industry Roadmap, culminating in a formal Congress Declaration to be presented during a plenary session.

Day 3 will feature hands-on field visits to model farms across Iloilo, with live demonstrations on seedling production, transplanting, mechanized land prep, and postharvest handling, supported by trainers from ATI, BPI, PhilGAP, and DA-accredited experts.

Attendees will interact with local cooperatives and farmers to exchange practical knowledge and promote peer learning.

Engr. Buen S. Mondejar, Chairperson of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council VI, announced that the soon-to-be-inaugurated Regional Food Terminal in New Lucena will enhance logistics in the region, further reinforcing Iloilo’s role as a key agricultural hub.

Mondejar called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, saying, “Platforms like the National Vegetable Congress are essential to drive innovation and build long-term resilience in our agricultural sector.”

Iloilo was selected not only for its strategic location and modern infrastructure, but also for its exemplary model of sustainable agriculture, with many local farmers adopting Good Agricultural Practices and climate-resilient technologies.

Barotac Nuevo’s proximity to the Regional Food Terminal positions it as a future cornerstone in vegetable consolidation and supply chain management for the Visayas and beyond.

Since its inception, the Congress has catalyzed change in various host regions—from hybrid seeds in Tarlac and cold-chain logistics in Benguet, to youth engagement in Davao and crop diversification in Lucena.

This year’s edition in Western Visayas aims to build on that legacy by empowering farmers, crafting strategic policies, and reinforcing the national vision of a food-secure, farmer-centered Bagong Pilipinas.