DARFO III - High Value Crops Development Program

06/05/2026

THURSDAY TRIVIA!

A Tree That Isn’t a Tree: The Banana Story✨

Most people picture a banana plant as a tree—but botanically speaking, that’s completely wrong. The banana plant is actually a giant herb, making it one of the most surprising crops in tropical agriculture.🍌🌳

06/05/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to our newly designated OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations 𝗘𝗟𝗠𝗔 𝗦. 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗦! 🎊

With your dedication, unwavering commitment and leadership, we are confident that you will lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact in your new role towards greater achievements under the agriculture sector. 🌾

04/05/2026

Think You Know!

Did you know that onions were once seen as a symbol of eternal life?

In ancient Egypt, particularly during the time of the pharaohs (around 3000 BCE to 30 BCE), people believed the onion’s many layers represented eternity. Because of this, onions were often buried with pharaohs as a symbol of everlasting life and the journey to the afterlife. 🏺🌱

References:

Smithsonian Institution – Articles on ancient Egyptian burial practices and symbolism
National Geographic Society – Insights into ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs
The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt

04/05/2026

🌾 Trivia Time!

Did you know that the month of May is officially celebrated as Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Month in the Philippines?

It was declared through Presidential Proclamation No. 33, signed on March 21, 1989, by former President Corazon C. Aquino—to honor the vital contributions of farmers and fisherfolk to the nation’s food security and economy.

The High Value Crops Development Program joins in celebrating Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Month. 🌊🌱

27/04/2026

Trivia Time🌱

Sweet Currency: The Cacao Bean Economy 🍫💱

Did you know that cacao beans were once used as money? Civilizations like the Maya civilization and the Aztec Empire used cacao beans as a form of currency to buy goods and pay for services.

Reference (Book):
The True History of Chocolate — by Sophie D. Coe and Michael D. Coe

23/04/2026

🌶️🔥 Trivia Time: Why Do Chili Peppers “Burn”? 🤔

Chili peppers don’t actually burn your mouth—but it really feels like they do!

🌿 The heat comes from capsaicin, a natural compound found in peppers.
Instead of causing real damage, capsaicin activates heat and pain receptors in your mouth (the same ones that respond to actual fire or high temperatures).

🧠 What your brain thinks:
“🔥 This is hot! Danger!”even though there’s no real burning happening.

⚠️ That fiery sensation is just your nervous system being tricked—but in very high amounts, capsaicin can still cause irritation.

📚 References: National Institutes of Health, American Chemical Society, and Encyclopaedia Britannica on capsaicin, pain receptors, and the science behind spicy sensations.

23/04/2026

22/04/2026

Did you know?

Not all “berries” are actually berries—at least in the world of botany!

🌿 Bananas are true berries.
They develop from a single flower with one o***y and have soft flesh throughout—meeting all the botanical criteria of a berry.

🍓 Strawberries are not berries.
Instead, they are aggregate fruits, meaning they form from multiple ovaries in one flower. Those tiny “seeds” on the outside? Each one is actually a small fruit called an achene.

✨ In short:
Bananas = true berries ✔️
Strawberries = not berries ❌

📚 References: Encyclopaedia Britannica, United States Department of Agriculture, and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on fruit classification, botanical structures, and plant morphology.

22/04/2026

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 🌱
Led by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of LGU San Luis, the activity held in Dibut marked another meaningful step toward empowering our local farmers and fisherfolk. The program featured the distribution of different vegetable seeds and a meeting with the members of the Bangus and Seaweeds Project, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and fisheries development.
The activity was graced by Ms. Zenaida S. Castañeda, Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer of Aurora, whose presence highlighted the strong coordination between the local and provincial agricultural offices. Also present were Ms. Faye D.J. Tubera, Municipal Administrator, and Ms. Lourdes Esmundo, Municipal Agriculturist, whose leadership and continued support play a vital role in the successful implementation of agricultural programs in the municipality.
The distribution of vegetable seeds symbolizes more than just planting materials. It represents opportunity, food security, and additional livelihood for families in Dibut. Meanwhile, the meeting with the Bangus and Seaweeds Project members provided a valuable platform for updates, collaboration, and addressing the needs of our fisherfolk.
Through the collective efforts of LGU San Luis, the MAO, and our dedicated community members, we continue to cultivate progress, resilience, and a sustainable future for our agricultural and fisheries sectors. 🌾🐟

22/04/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦, 𝗗𝗥. 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗨𝗥 𝗗. 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗥𝗜𝗧! 😇

From: HVCDP and NUPAP Family ❤

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦, 𝗗𝗥. 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗨𝗥 𝗗. 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗥𝗜𝗧
🎉🎉🎉

A well-deserved recognition as Most Outstanding Magaleño Awardee 2026 in the Agriculture and Environment Category.

Your passion and commitment to serving the community truly make a difference. Your Department of Agriculture Central Luzon family proudly celebrates this milestone with you!

22/04/2026

Meet the 51st Gawad Saka Nominees!

The Department of Agriculture, through the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), together with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), proudly presents the nominees for the Outstanding Community Based Urban and Peri Urban Agriculture Garden under the 51st Gawad Saka Awards.

From across the regions, 8 outstanding urban agriculture initiatives have emerged as this year’s nominees, composed of 5 Macrogardens and 3 Microgardens. Each entry reflects strong community effort, innovation, and a shared commitment to building resilient and productive urban food systems. One winner from each category will be named at the national Gawad Saka Awards, representing the highest recognition for excellence in urban agriculture.