Southern Leyte

Southern Leyte’s agriculture is dominated by coconut farming, with vast areas planted across the province. It also produces significant quantities of palay (rice), root crops, and abaca, which is recognized nationally for its quality. In recent years, banana, vegetables, and fruit trees have gained ground through diversification programs. Irrigated and rainfed rice farming remains vital in lowland municipalities such as Hinunangan and St. Bernard. However, extreme weather events, including typhoons and floods, continue to affect productivity, prompting efforts to introduce climate-resilient crops and technologies.

Southern Leyte has rich municipal fishing grounds with over 255 coastal barangays and productive bays such as Sogod, Hinunangan, and Cabalian. Marine fisheries include species like tuna, mackerel, sardines, shellfish, and reef fish, while aquaculture is practiced in fishponds and cages, particularly for bangus (milkfish) and tilapia. Despite its abundance, the sector faces challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing, and coastal degradation. BFAR and the province are actively promoting marine conservation, seaweed farming, and community-based aquaculture systems to improve sustainability and income.

The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Phase II began in Southern Leyte in 2023, targeting ten farmer groups (~200 individuals). The program has focused on egg-layer production, corn, vegetables, poultry, and swine. Farmer-beneficiaries across Libagon, Bontoc, and San Francisco have received livelihood inputs and training. As of late 2024, nine organizations had produced over 858,000 eggs, generating ₱2 million in sales. DA-SAAD supports not only production but also market linkage and enterprise development, especially for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.