Resources & Tools
Planting calendar, success stories, comparisons, glossary, FAQ, and video tutorials.
Seasonal Planting Guide
Month-by-month guide for what to plant and when in Region 7.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
Help deciding between crops, livestock, and farming systems.
🌾 Rice vs. 🌽 Corn
| Factor | Rice | Corn |
|---|---|---|
| Cost/ha | ₱35,000-45,000 | ₱25,000-35,000 |
| Revenue/ha | ₱70,000-90,000 | ₱64,000-80,000 |
| Net Income/ha | ₱30,000-50,000 | ₱30,000-45,000 |
| Water Need | High (irrigation needed) | Moderate (rain-fed OK) |
| Labor | High (transplanting) | Moderate (direct seeding) |
| Best For | Irrigated lowlands | Rain-fed uplands |
| Market | NFA buying, stable | Feed mills, variable |
🐄 Cattle vs. 🐃 Carabao
| Factor | Cattle | Carabao |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | ₱35,000-55,000 | ₱25,000-40,000 |
| Primary Use | Beef production | Draft power + dairy |
| Fattening Period | 90-120 days | Not typically fattened |
| Feed Cost/Day | ₱115-160 | ₱80-120 |
| Sale Price | ₱55,000-85,000 | ₱45,000-70,000 |
| Dairy Potential | Jersey crosses (low yield) | Murrah crosses (4-6 L/day) |
| Best For | Commercial beef farms | Rice farmers needing draft |
🐔 Broiler vs. 🐔 Native Chicken
| Factor | Broiler | Native Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Period | 35-42 days | 5-6 months |
| Feed Cost/Bird | ₱150-180 | ₱100-150 (free-range) |
| Sale Weight | 1.8-2.2 kg | 1.0-1.5 kg |
| Price/kg | ₱65-85 | ₱180-280 |
| Profit/Bird | ₱20-30 (contract) | ₱80-150 |
| Input Level | High (commercial feed) | Low (free-range + scraps) |
| Best For | Contract growing, volume | Backyard, premium market |
🌱 Organic vs. 🌿 Conventional
| Factor | Organic | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Input Cost/ha | ₱15,000-25,000 | ₱35,000-45,000 |
| Yield | 20-30% lower | Baseline |
| Price Premium | 20-40% higher | Market rate |
| Net Income/ha | ₱35,000-60,000 | ₱30,000-50,000 |
| Certification | PGS (free) or 3rd party | None required |
| Market Access | Niche, premium buyers | Wider, easier access |
| Best For | Vegetables, export crops | Rice, corn, volume crops |
Farmer Success Stories
Representative profiles based on real farming patterns in Central Visayas. Names and figures are illustrative of typical outcomes.
Video Tutorials
Training videos from DA-ATI, PhilRice, BAI, and PhilMech. Click a card to search YouTube for the latest tutorials.
Rice Production Best Practices
SRI, AWD, and modern rice farming techniques from DA-ATI training sessions.
Korean Natural Farming Setup
How to make IMO, FPJ, FAA, and LAB inputs for organic farming at zero cost.
Cattle Fattening in 90 Days
BAI demonstration: feeding rations, weight gain targets, and marketing for smallholders.
Organic Vegetable Production
Composting, vermiculture, botanical pesticides, and organic pest management.
Post-Harvest Loss Reduction
PhilMech flatbed dryers, hermetic storage, and grain quality management.
Backyard Poultry Raising
Native chicken (Manok Bisaya) housing, feeding, health, and marketing guide.
Agricultural Terms & Acronyms
65+ terms every Region 7 farmer should know. Includes English, Filipino, and Bisaya references.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coconut, corn, rice, sugarcane, root crops, vegetables, fruits, cacao, coffee, and abaca. Livestock: beef, pork, chicken, eggs, goat meat, dairy.
- Contact your Municipal Agriculture Office
- Visit DA-RFO 7 in Cebu City
- Register with RSBSA (free)
- Attend ATI training
- Join a farmers cooperative
Irrigated: March-May and August-September. Rain-fed: June-July at onset of rains. Know your irrigation status before planning.
- Landbank: 2-3% interest for RSBSA members
- DBP: Livestock and crop loans
- PCIC: Crop/livestock insurance + credit
- Cooperative banks: Member lending, lowest rates
- DA-SURE: Zero-interest emergency loans up to ₱25,000
- RCEF Credit: For rice farmers, 0% interest for 3 years
- ASF (African Swine Fever): No vaccine. 100% mortality in pigs. Strict biosecurity. Report to BAI: (02) 8928-1171
- FMD (Foot-and-Mouth Disease): Affects cattle, carabao, swine, goats. Annual vaccination campaign.
- Newcastle Disease: Major chicken killer. Vaccinate at 1 month and boosters every 3 months.
- Hemorrhagic Septicemia: Cattle/carabao. Annual vaccination in June.
- PGS (Participatory Guarantee System): Community-based, free via cooperatives. For local markets.
- Third-party certification: OneCert, Control Union. For export markets. ₱20,000-50,000 cost.
- Intense typhoons — crop damage, infrastructure loss
- Erratic rainfall — unpredictable planting seasons
- Rising temps — heat stress on livestock and crops
- Water scarcity — irrigation strain during dry spells
Adapt: Climate-resilient varieties, PCIC crop insurance, diversified farming, AWD water management.
- Land: Own, leasehold (DAR), or lease from cooperative (₱5,000-15,000/ha/year)
- Registration: RSBSA (free at Municipal Agriculture Office)
- Inputs: Seeds, fertilizers, tools — start with RCEF free seeds
- Water: Reliable source — apply for NIA irrigation
- Knowledge: ATI training (40+ free courses)
- Credit: Cooperative banks, Landbank, DA-SURE
- Market: Identify buyers before planting
- Visit your Municipal Agriculture Office
- Bring valid ID (any government-issued ID)
- Provide farm location (lot number, barangay)
- Indicate primary farming activity
- Registration is free and takes 1-2 weeks
RSBSA is required for: RCEF seeds, PCIC insurance, Landbank credit, ATI training, and all DA programs.
- PhilRice Seed Center Cebu: Consolacion, Cebu — NSIC Rc series, hybrids
- BPI Seed Center: Mandaue City — vegetable and corn seeds
- DA-RFO 7: Cebu City — RCEF-certified seeds (free for registered farmers)
- Municipal Agriculture Offices: Coordinate for seed distribution schedules
- Register with RSBSA first
- Visit your Municipal Agriculture Office or PCIC branch
- Bring RSBSA certificate and valid ID
- Pay premium (rice: ₱57/ha with 70% government subsidy)
- Coverage starts immediately upon enrollment
Covers: Typhoons, drought, floods, pest outbreaks, fire. Claims processed within 30 days.
- Do NOT move or sell the animals
- Isolate sick pigs immediately
- Contact BAI Disease Reporting: (02) 8928-1171
- Report to your Municipal Veterinarian
- Disinfect all equipment and footwear
- Do not feed kitchen scraps to pigs
ASF signs: High fever, loss of appetite, skin hemorrhages (red/bluish patches), sudden death. There is no vaccine or treatment — prevention through biosecurity is critical.
- PGS (local markets): Join a cooperative, follow organic practices for 3 years, peer review by other farmers. Free.
- Third-party (export): Apply to OneCert or Control Union. Document all inputs, undergo annual audit. ₱20,000-50,000/year.
- Transition period: 2-3 years without synthetic chemicals.
Contact ATI-RTC 7 for free PGS training: (032) 253-3491.
- Budget: Minimum ₱50,000 for 5-head backyard setup (pen + initial stock)
- Stock: Buy weaners at 10-15 kg (₱3,000-5,000/head). Crossbred: Landrace × Large White.
- Housing: Concrete pen with drainage. 2 sqm per pig. Ventilation critical.
- Feed: Commercial feeds for 4-6 months. Total feed cost: ₱8,000-12,000/head.
- Health: CSF vaccine at 3 months. Deworming. Strict biosecurity (ASF prevention).
- Market: Sell at 80-100 kg live weight. Revenue: ₱8,000-14,000/head.
- Cabbage (Repolyo): Best in cool months (Nov-Feb). ₱60,000-100,000/ha.
- Carrot: Cool months. ₱80,000-120,000/ha.
- Lettuce: Year-round in highlands. High value per sqm.
- Sayote: Year-round perennial. Low maintenance.
- Sweet pepper: Warm months. Premium price.
Highland areas in Cebu (Balamban, Asturias), Bohol (Batuan, Bilar), and NegOr (Valencia) are ideal.
- Learn first: Attend ATI free organic farming course (8 weeks)
- Stop chemicals: Transition period is 2-3 years for PGS certification
- Build inputs: Start composting, make IMO/FPJ (Korean Natural Farming)
- Join cooperative: Get PGS certification through your cooperative (free)
- Start small: Convert 0.25-0.5 ha first, learn, then expand
- Market: Find organic buyers, restaurants, or direct-to-consumer
Tip: Organic farming has lower input costs (₱15,000-25,000/ha) but requires more knowledge. See our Sustainable Agriculture guide.
- Local traders: Contact cooperatives in Bohol (Batuan Cacao Coop) and NegOr (Valencia Coffee Traders)
- Direct to processors: CacaoPhilippines, local chocolate makers
- Export: Fine-flavor beans (₱250-350/kg) via OneCert-certified channels
- Online: Facebook groups for cacao/coffee traders
- Cooperative aggregation: Sell through your cooperative for better prices
See our Buyer Directory for specific contacts.
DA Soils Lab Cebu provides free soil testing for RSBSA members. Results include:
- pH: 5.5-6.5 is ideal for most crops. Below 5.5 = apply lime (1-2 tons/ha)
- Organic Matter: >2% is good. Below 1.5% = add compost (5-10 tons/ha)
- Nitrogen (N): Low/Medium/High. Low = apply more urea
- Phosphorus (P): Low = apply complete fertilizer (14-14-14) or rock phosphate
- Potassium (K): Low = apply MOP (muriate of potash)
How to interpret: Match "Low" items to fertilizer choices. See our Fertilizer Guide for rates.
- Visit your Municipal Agriculture Office
- Bring valid ID (any government-issued)
- Provide farm location (lot number, barangay, coordinate)
- Indicate primary farming activity
- Registration is FREE and takes 1-2 weeks
RSBSA unlocks: RCEF free seeds, PCIC insurance, Landbank credit, ATI training, PhilMech subsidy — basically ALL government programs. This is the single most important registration for any farmer.
- Register with RSBSA (if not yet registered)
- Visit your Municipal Agriculture Office
- Bring RSBSA certificate and valid ID
- Fill out RCEF seed request form
- Receive 2 bags (40 kg) certified rice seeds per hectare
Available varieties: IR64, NSIC Rc 222, Rc 160, Rc 480. Distribution: Before each planting season (Mar-Apr for dry, Aug-Sep for wet). Also available: Fertilizer subsidy (50% discount), free soil testing.
- Location: Choose area with 6+ hours sunlight
- Soil: Mix garden soil + compost (50:50). Fill containers or raised bed.
- Easy starter crops: Kangkong, malunggay, ampalaya, sitaw, tomato
- Water: Water daily in morning. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Fertilize: Compost tea every 2 weeks, or complete fertilizer (14-14-14) monthly
- Pest control: Spray chili-garlic solution for insects. Hand-pick caterpillars.
Can reduce household food expenses by ₱2,000-5,000/month. See our Vegetables guide.
PCIC (Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation) covers:
- Rice: ₱57/ha (70% government subsidy) — covers typhoon, drought, flood, pest
- Corn: ₱60/ha — same coverage as rice
- Cattle: ₱300/head — covers death, theft, disease, calamity
- Swine: ₱200/head — covers ASF, other diseases, calamity
How to claim: Report within 72 hours (typhoons: 7 days). Bring photos, barangay certification, RSBSA certificate. Claims processed within 30 days. Contact: (02) 8845-0734.
- Materials: Carbon (rice straw, dried leaves, coconut husks) + Nitrogen (green weeds, kitchen scraps, animal manure)
- Ratio: 3 parts carbon : 1 part nitrogen by volume
- Layer: Alternating carbon and nitrogen layers, 15-20 cm each
- Moisture: Keep damp like a wrung-out sponge
- Turn: Mix every 2 weeks to add oxygen
- Ready: 2-3 months — dark, crumbly, earthy smell
Application: 5-10 tons/ha. Replaces 30-50% of chemical fertilizer. Tip: Add African Nightcrawler worms for vermicompost — faster, higher quality.
Depends on your resources:
- If you have ₱5,000-10,000: Start with native chicken (50 heads) or backyard vegetables
- If you have ₱15,000-25,000: Try goat raising (3 does) or rice (0.5 ha rain-fed)
- If you have ₱35,000-50,000: Rice (1 ha irrigated) or corn (1 ha)
- If you have >₱50,000: Consider cacao or coffee (long-term investment)
Key: Start small, learn, then scale. Register with RSBSA first — it's free and unlocks all programs. See our Farm Business Planning guide.
- Register with RSBSA
- Visit your Municipal Agriculture Office
- Submit equipment request (specify: hand tractor, combine, dryer, etc.)
- PhilMech processes application (2-4 weeks)
- Receive equipment at 50% subsidized cost
Available equipment: Hand tractors, combine harvesters, corn shellers, flatbed dryers, hermetic storage bags, rice mills. Tip: Apply through your cooperative for faster processing.
Regional Climate Calendar
Monthly climate patterns for Region 7. Plan your farming activities around weather.
| Month | Season | Rainfall | Temp | Typhoon Risk | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cool/Dry | Low (20-40mm) | 25-28C | Low | Dry season planting (irrigated rice, vegetables) |
| February | Dry | Low (15-30mm) | 25-29C | Low | Continue dry season crops. Land prep for corn. |
| March | Dry (Hot) | Very Low (10-20mm) | 27-32C | Low | Rice harvest. Mango flowering. Heat stress management. |
| April | Dry (Hottest) | Very Low (10-15mm) | 28-34C | Low | Mango harvest. Land preparation for wet season. |
| May | Early Wet | Moderate (100-150mm) | 27-31C | Low | Rice transplanting begins. Corn planting starts. |
| June | Wet | High (150-200mm) | 26-30C | Low-Med | Rice/corn planting deadline. Vegetable planting. |
| July | Wet (Peak) | High (180-250mm) | 26-29C | Medium | Rice/corn management. Weed control. Drainage. |
| August | Wet (Typhoon) | High (180-250mm) | 26-29C | HIGH | Storm prep. Drainage maintenance. Secure structures. |
| September | Wet (Typhoon) | High (180-250mm) | 26-29C | HIGH | Peak typhoon season. Monitor weather daily. Pest watch. |
| October | Late Wet | Moderate (120-180mm) | 26-30C | Medium | Corn harvest begins. Rice maturation. Root crop harvest. |
| November | Transition | Low-Moderate (80-120mm) | 25-29C | Low-Med | Rice harvest. Cool season veg planting. Soil testing. |
| December | Cool/Dry | Low (40-60mm) | 25-28C | Low | Year-end planning. Seed ordering. Cabbage/carrot harvest. |
Note: Rainfall varies by province. Coastal areas receive less rain than highlands. Data based on PAGASA historical averages for Region 7.
🌀 Typhoon Risk Assessment
🔴 High Risk (Aug-Sep)
Average 3-5 typhoons pass near Region 7. Secure all structures. Harvest mature crops early. Stock emergency feed for livestock. Evacuation plans ready.
🟡 Medium Risk (Jun-Jul, Oct-Nov)
1-2 typhoons possible. Monitor PAGASA bulletins. Maintain drainage. Have backup feed supply. Insure crops with PCIC.
🟢 Low Risk (Dec-May)
Dry season. Minimal typhoon risk. Focus on production. Use this time for land preparation and infrastructure improvement.
Soil Information by Province
Know your soil type for better crop selection and fertilizer recommendations.
| Province | Dominant Soil Type | pH Range | Best Crops | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bohol | Faraon clay, Bolinao clay | 5.5-6.5 | Rice, corn, coconut, root crops | Low organic matter in uplands |
| Cebu (Lowland) | Sta. Rita clay, Nagtibong clay | 5.5-7.0 | Rice, corn, vegetables | Acidic in some areas (pH <5.5) |
| Cebu (Highland) | Batasan loam, Bolinao loam | 5.0-6.5 | Vegetables, coffee, cacao | Erosion on slopes, low P |
| NegOr (Lowland) | Miagao clay, Guimbal clay | 5.5-7.0 | Rice, sugarcane, vegetables | Salinity in coastal areas |
| NegOr (Highland) | Batasan loam, Kinampay loam | 5.0-6.5 | Coffee, cacao, vegetables | Low organic matter, erosion |
| Siquijor | Bago clay, Bolinao clay | 5.5-6.5 | Rice, coconut, root crops, vegetables | Shallow soil in limestone areas |
Source: Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Regional Soil Survey
🧪 Soil Testing and Amendments
Free Soil Testing
DA Soils Lab Cebu: (032) 253-3491. Free for RSBSA members. Bring 1 kg soil sample from 10-15 spots (0-20 cm depth). Results in 1-2 weeks.
Acidic Soil (pH <5.5)
Apply agricultural lime: 1-2 tons/ha. Cost: ₱3,000-6,000/ha. Apply 2-3 months before planting. Re-test after 1 year.
Low Organic Matter
Apply compost: 5-10 tons/ha. Green manure (mungbean, cowpea). Crop residue return. Vermicompost: 2-3 tons/ha.
Low Phosphorus
Apply rock phosphate: 200-400 kg/ha. Or complete fertilizer (14-14-14) at planting. Mycorrhizal inoculants help P uptake.
PCIC Insurance Claims Guide
Step-by-step guide to filing insurance claims with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
How to File a Claim
Step 1: Report Immediately
Notify PCIC within 72 hours of loss/damage. Call: (02) 8845-0734 or visit nearest PCIC branch. For typhoons, report within 7 days.
Step 2: Document the Loss
Take photos of damaged crops/livestock. Get barangay certification of the calamity. Keep any surviving samples. Do NOT replant/destroy evidence until inspector visits.
Step 3: Submit Documents
Required: (1) PCIC claim form, (2) RSBSA certificate, (3) Policy number, (4) Barangay certification, (5) Photos, (6)any receipts for inputs.
Step 4: Inspection
PCIC inspector will visit within 7-14 days. They will assess the damage and verify the claim. Cooperate fully and provide access to the farm.
Step 5: Receive Payment
Claims processed within 30 days of complete documentation. Payment via check or bank transfer. Contact PCIC if no response after 30 days.
Coverage and Premiums
| Coverage Type | What's Covered | Premium (Farmer Pays) | Max Indemnity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (All Risk) | Typhoon, drought, flood, pest, fire, earthquake | ₱57/ha (30% of ₱190) | ₱10,000/ha |
| Corn (All Risk) | Same as rice | ₱60/ha (30% of ₱200) | ₱8,000/ha |
| Cattle | Death, theft, accident, disease, calamity | ₱300/head (30% of ₱1,000) | ₱30,000/head |
| Swine | Death, disease (ASF covered), calamity | ₱200/head (30% of ₱667) | ₱15,000/head |
| Poultry (Broiler) | Death, disease, calamity | ₱3/chick (30% of ₱10) | ₱150/chick |
| Fish (Milkfish) | Death, typhoon, disease | ₱200/1,000 fingerlings | ₱5,000/cage |
Note: Government subsidizes 70% of premiums for rice and corn. Farmer pays only 30%. Claims process: (02) 8845-0734. Visit: PCIC Regional Office, Cebu City.