Quirino

Agriculture is the backbone of Quirino’s economy, with the majority of its population engaged in farming and livestock production. The province’s fertile soil, favorable climate, and extensive river systems provide ideal conditions for growing various crops and supporting agricultural activities. Rice and corn are the dominant crops, with large portions of the province’s agricultural land devoted to their cultivation. Quirino is recognized as a consistent producer of high-quality rice and corn, contributing to the food supply of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Aside from staple grains, Quirino produces a variety of high-value crops such as bananas, pineapples, coffee, and root crops. The province’s rich natural resources and government support have also enabled the expansion of organic farming and the production of native fruits and vegetables. Livestock and poultry farming, particularly swine, cattle, and poultry production, are also key contributors to the local economy.

The fisheries sector in Quirino is relatively small due to the province’s landlocked location, but inland fishing and aquaculture have become important sources of livelihood for local communities. The Cagayan River and its tributaries, along with several smaller rivers, streams, and communal fishponds, provide suitable environments for freshwater fish production.

Tilapia is the most widely cultivated species in Quirino, followed by carp and catfish. Fish farmers primarily engage in pond culture and cage culture, with tilapia farming being the most developed sector. The presence of hatcheries and government support through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have contributed to increased fish production and improved livelihoods for fisherfolk.

DA-SAAD Program Phase 2 in Region II, Provided Sustainable Cattle and High-Value Crops Production Enterprise, Goat Production Project, Greenhouses, and High-Value Crops Projects which not only aimed to enhance agricultural productivity but also sought to improve the income and livelihood of the farmer-beneficiaries.

To ensure the success of the Program, the farmers participated in capacity-building trainings which included Organizational Development, which emphasized delineating authority, assigning tasks, and defining functions, as well as Basic Bookkeeping.