Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya is a landlocked province located in the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II) of the Philippines. It is bordered by Ifugao to the north, Quirino to the east, Nueva Ecija to the south, and Benguet to the west. Covering a total land area of approximately 3,975.67 square kilometers, Nueva Vizcaya is characterized by mountainous terrain, rolling hills, and fertile valleys. The province is traversed by major river systems such as the Magat River and its tributaries, which play a crucial role in irrigation and agriculture. Bayombong serves as the provincial capital and the center of governance, trade, and education.
Nueva Vizcaya boasts a rich and fertile agricultural landscape. Though smaller in land area compared to other provinces in the region, its rolling terrains and valleys make it highly suitable for farming. Known for its agricultural productivity, Nueva Vizcaya is a major contributor to the region’s overall agricultural output, focusing on both traditional and high-value crops.
The province’s main agricultural commodity is rice, a staple product for both local consumption and supply to nearby provinces. In addition to rice, Nueva Vizcaya also thrives in the production of fruits, vegetables, and other high-value crops, showcasing its diverse agricultural capacity. Its commitment to agricultural development underscores the importance of initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of its farming communities.
Agricultural Sector
Agriculture remains the primary economic driver of Nueva Vizcaya, contributing significantly to the province’s livelihood and local economy. The province is known as the “Citrus Capital of the Philippines” due to its large-scale production of citrus fruits, including oranges, pomelos, and calamansi. The province’s favorable climate and fertile soil support the cultivation of various crops, including rice, corn, root crops, and vegetables. In recent years, Nueva Vizcaya has consistently produced high yields of rice and corn, making it a key supplier of these staple grains in the Cagayan Valley Region. Aside from citrus and grains, Nueva Vizcaya is also a major producer of high-value crops such as coffee, bananas, pineapples, and onions.
Fisheries Sector
The fisheries sector in Nueva Vizcaya is relatively small compared to its agricultural industry due to the province’s landlocked location. Despite the absence of coastal areas, inland fish farming and aquaculture have become important sources of livelihood for local communities. The province’s major rivers, including the Magat River and its tributaries, support the growth of freshwater fish production.
Fishponds, small reservoirs, and communal bodies of water are used for the cultivation of species such as tilapia, carp, and catfish. Tilapia production remains the dominant aquaculture activity, with several fish farms operating in key municipalities like Bayombong, Solano, and Bambang. The establishment of hatcheries and the introduction of improved fingerling varieties have enhanced the province’s fish production capacity.
Poverty Situation
As of 2021, Nueva Vizcaya reported a poverty incidence of 15.07%, indicating that approximately 15 out of every 100 residents were living below the poverty threshold. This figure is notably lower than the national average of 18.1% for the same year, positioning Nueva Vizcaya among the provinces with a relatively lower poverty rate.
Within the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II), Nueva Vizcaya’s poverty incidence is comparable to that of neighboring provinces. For instance, Quirino reported a poverty incidence of 9.08%, while Isabela had a rate of 17.32% in 2021.
Project Profile
DA
Under the SAAD Program of Region 2, the municipality of Villaverde, received the Sustainable Cattle and High-Value Crops Production Enterprise. The SAAD Program also provided training to the beneficiaries as they underwent training in Organizational Development, which focused on delineating authority, assigning tasks, and defining functions. Basic bookkeeping training was also conducted, equipping farmers with essential skills to manage their resources effectively and ensure the sustainability of the enterprise.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Villaverde | Cabuluan | Sustainable Cattle and High-Value Crops (Balance Fertilization and Pesticide Safe Strategy) Production in Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya Province-with Community-Based Mushroom Production | Nag-et Farmers Association | 49 | 4,720,000.00 |
| 2024 | Ambaguio | Salingsingan | Sustainable High Value Crops Production Enterprise | Batag Farmers Assosciation | 30 | 2,273,700.00 |
| 2024 | Villaverde | Cabuluan | Greenhouse | Nag-et Farmers Association | 30 | 250,000.00 |
| 2024 | Villaverde | Ocapon | Sustainable Cattle and High Value Crops Production Enterprise | Ocapon Sustainable Agriculture Development And Irrigators Association | 30 | 3,040,300.00 |
| 2025 | Ambaguio | Ammueg | SUSTAINABLE CHICKEN AND HIGH VALUE CROPS PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE | Cabaduyan-taaw-bunalan Farmers Association | 37 | 2,494,000.00 |
| 2025 | Ambaguio | Salingsingan | Sustainable High Value Crops Production Enterprise | Batag Farmers Assocaition | 25 | 1,920,000.00 |
| 2025 | Villaverde | Cabuluan | Support to Sustainable Cattle and High Value Crops (Balance Fertilization and Pesticide Safe Strategy) Production Enterprise | Nag-et Farmers Association | 59 | 500,000.00 |
| 2025 | Villaverde | Ocapon | Support to Sustainable Cattle and High Value Crops (Balance Fertilization and Pesticide Safe Strategy) Production Enterprise | Ocapon Sustainable Agriculture Development And Irrigators Association | 30 | 500,000.00 |
| 2025 | Villaverde | Pieza | Sustainable High Value Crops Production Enterprise | Pieza Growers Association | 30 | 850,000.00 |
BFAR
The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Nueva Vizcaya focuses on improving the fisheries sector through targeted support to marginalized fisherfolk. Key initiatives include:
- Tilapia Fingerling Distribution – Providing high-quality fingerlings to enhance fish production and ensure food security.
- Development of Fishponds – Establishing and rehabilitating fishponds to increase fish supply and support local livelihoods.
- Technical Training on Sustainable Aquaculture – Conducting training on fish farming techniques, pond management, and environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.
- Provision of Fishing Equipment and Post-Harvest Support – Supplying fishing nets, and post-harvest equipment to improve productivity and ensure better fish preservation.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Villaverde | Ibung | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ibung Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 616,000.00 |
| 2024 | Villaverde | Ibung | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ibung Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 616,000.00 |
| 2025 | Villaverde | Ibung | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ibung Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 616,000.00 |
| 2026 | Villaverde | Ibung | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ibung Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 616,000.00 |