By Kenneth Marcos 
Bright morning sunlight streamed through the conference room in Quezon City as researchers and agricultural officials gathered to discuss the future of corn in the Philippines. The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) hosted a high-level meeting with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) on March 18, 2026, aiming to strengthen collaboration on corn research and development.
The session focused on enhancing the National Corn Program, exploring new strategies to improve crop yields, pest management, and climate resilience. Participants shared updates on ongoing research, exchanged technical expertise, and discussed potential joint projects that could benefit farmers across the country.
DA-BAR emphasized that collaboration with international partners like CIMMYT allows Philippine corn programs to adopt cutting-edge technologies, modern breeding techniques, and evidence-based approaches. By combining local knowledge with global research, the initiative seeks to secure higher productivity, improved food security, and better income for corn farmers nationwide.
The meeting also opened discussions for broader partnerships in other crop development activities, signaling a commitment to strengthen agricultural research networks and to translate scientific advances into practical solutions on the farm.
Through these initiatives, DA-BAR aims to ensure that Filipino farmers remain competitive, resilient, and well-supported in the face of climate challenges and market demands.
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