Kitcharao: A pioneering farm project launched by the local government unit (LGU) has transformed this town's agricultural landscape, boosting vegetable production, opening market access, and raising household incomes for hundreds of farmers. Conceived in 2001, the LGU Farm began as a modest training ground for growers and a tourist attraction for visitors nationwide. Over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged production and marketing hub that continues to anchor the town's farming community.
According to Philippines News Agency, the LGU Farm was established to address the pressing needs of the residents, especially the farmers. Vice Mayor Aristotle Montante emphasized during an interview with government communicators that the farm was initiated to tackle issues such as lack of income, minimal job opportunities, and limited access to livelihood resources. Montante, who was the mayor when the project started, now collaborates with his brother, Mayor Jenry Montante, and Municipal Agriculture Officer Raul Del Agua to further develop the farm's potential and sustain its impact.
Since its inception, the LGU Farm has evolved into a comprehensive facility complex dedicated to agricultural skills and knowledge. It boasts an Agricultural Manpower and Development Center for training and seminars, a hydroponics lettuce facility, livestock housing for goats, rabbits, and ostriches, a fishpond, a mini market and souvenir shop, a slaughterhouse, and a warehouse with a motor pool. Part of Kitcharao's annual agriculture budget is allocated to the continued development of the farm.
In 2023, a significant breakthrough occurred when the provincial government, under Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, allocated PHP10 million to establish the Kitcharao Livelihood and Employment Project (KLEP). KLEP consists of two main components - livelihood and labor - aimed at providing farmers with additional income and a pathway out of poverty. The funding facilitated the provision of vegetable seeds, fertilizers, farm implements, and training, laying the groundwork for a new chapter in local agriculture.
The first batch of beneficiaries, consisting of 116 vegetable farmers, began planting in the last quarter of 2023 after receiving essential support. Del Agua explained that the farmers are encouraged to display their harvests twice a week at the LGU Farm during a weekly 'Tabo' market activity, which serves as a marketing strategy to connect farmers directly with wholesale buyers from Kitcharao and neighboring towns.
The 'Tabo' market ensures farmers receive high and favorable prices for their produce. To further reduce costs, LGU vehicles collect harvests from barangays on market days, sparing farmers transportation expenses. Vice Mayor Montante highlighted that, through the Department of Agriculture's Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, the town acquired two delivery trucks to assist farmers in bringing their produce to market centers, including the LGU Farm.
Data from the Municipal Agriculture Office reveals that between 2024 and 2025, the initial batch of KLEP beneficiaries produced 126,274.53 kilograms of vegetables. During this period, sales from the 'Tabo' activities reached PHP4,729,690, demonstrating the program's significant impact on reshaping livelihoods in Kitcharao.
Beneficiary stories highlight the program's success. Teresita Borinaga, a mother of three from Barangay Crossing, has developed about two hectares of vegetable farms since receiving support through KLEP. Her weekly sales during the 'Tabo' range from PHP3,000 to PHP5,000. Borinaga also mentioned a savings program at the town's Treasurer's Office, which allows farmers to allocate a portion of their sales for future expansion.
Another farmer-beneficiary, Eladio Montefalcon, has been able to develop around one hectare of a vegetable farm. His wholesale transactions during the 'Tabo' often yield sales of up to PHP57,000. In 2025, the LGU Farm extended its support by dispersing livestock to farmer-beneficiaries, with 121 farmers receiving 29 cattle and 92 goats.
The program continues to grow, with 38 additional farmers listed under the KLEP program in the same year, actively engaging buyers during regular 'Tabo' activities. Vice Mayor Montante announced that 104 more farmer beneficiaries from the town will join KLEP this year, receiving support to develop their respective vegetable farms.
