By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the midday sun in Catigbian, Bohol, dozens of rice farmers patiently lined up—not for cash, but for something just as valuable: biofertilizer vouchers. For many of them, it was a chance to grow better harvests while spending less on costly farm inputs.
From October 7 to 9, 2025, the Department of Agriculture Region 7 (DA7), through its Rice Program, partnered with Unigrow Biofertilizer to distribute biofertilizer vouchers to rice farmers across Catigbian. The 3-day initiative aimed to help local farmers improve crop yields using eco-friendly, organic fertilizers that restore soil health and reduce reliance on chemical products.
Unigrow’s biofertilizers contain natural microorganisms that help plants absorb nutrients more efficiently. Unlike traditional fertilizers, they don’t damage the soil or pollute nearby water sources, making them a more sustainable choice for long-term farming.
According to DA7 officials, the voucher distribution is part of the government’s broader effort to support rice-producing communities in Central Visayas and ensure food security in the region. With climate change and inflation driving up production costs, the agency sees sustainable solutions like biofertilizers as key to helping farmers adapt and thrive.
“We want to help farmers cut down on expenses while improving their productivity,” one DA7 official said. “This partnership with Unigrow is not just about giving fertilizer—it’s about changing how we care for our land.”
Many of the beneficiaries expressed their thanks, saying the support was timely, especially with the rising prices of commercial fertilizers.
“Sobrang laking tulong nito sa amin,” said Mang Celso, a farmer from Barangay Alegria. “Makakatipid na kami, tapos mas gaganda pa ang ani. Sana tuluy-tuloy na.”
Unigrow, a private company advocating for sustainable farming, said their partnership with DA7 reflects their commitment to helping Filipino farmers grow more while protecting the environment. Their goal is to promote soil health, boost crop yield, and reduce chemical dependency in agriculture.
The event also included short orientations on proper fertilizer use and the benefits of going organic. For many farmers, it was their first time hearing about biofertilizers—and the reaction was mostly positive.
Efforts like this highlight how public and private sectors can work together to empower rural communities, especially in the agricultural sector where challenges continue to grow. As farming faces rising costs, erratic weather, and aging soils, sustainable support like biofertilizer distribution could mark the start of long-term, meaningful change.
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