Kalinga leads Cordillera in yellow corn, produces 68,477 MT in 2025

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela — Kalinga emerged as the top yellow corn-producing province in the Cordillera in 2025, recording 68,477 metric tons (MT) or 40.8 percent of the region’s total yellow corn production.

The figure was presented during the opening of the 19th Philippine National Corn Congress on September 22 in Ilagan City.

According to data from the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR), Kalinga’s production accounted for nearly two-fifths of the region’s total yellow corn output, making it the 10th highest yellow corn-producing province in Luzon.

Kalinga’s production contributed significantly to the increase in the Cordillera’s overall yellow corn output, which rose by 21,947 MT, or 15.1 percent, from 145,797 MT in 2024 to 167,744 MT in 2025.

Despite the increase, the Cordillera remained fifth among Luzon regions in yellow corn production, accounting for 5.23 percent of Luzon’s approximately 3.2 million MT output.

Abra leads white corn production

While Kalinga led the region in yellow corn production, Abra emerged as the Cordillera’s top producer of white corn, with 15,439 MT harvested in 2025.

The figure accounted for 92.9 percent of the region’s total white corn production of 16,608.67 MT, placing Abra third among white corn-producing provinces in Luzon.

The Cordillera’s white corn production also increased by 4.46 percent, from 15,900 MT in 2024 to 16,608.67 MT in 2025.

Government support to corn farmers

The DA-CAR said the production performance of Kalinga and Abra highlights their contribution to strengthening the region’s corn industry as overall corn production in the Cordillera increased in 2025.

The agency continues to provide farmers with production inputs, advanced machinery and agricultural infrastructure aimed at improving productivity and crop yields.

These interventions include four-wheel-drive tractors, combine harvesters, spring development projects, water pumps, solar-powered irrigation systems, corn shellers and recirculating dryers, among others.

“The continuous growth in the region’s corn production underscores its contribution to regional agriculture and the need to sustain government interventions to further enhance productivity, empower farmers, and support the development of a more competitive corn industry in the region,” DA-CAR said.