MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Agriculture has declared Nueva Vizcaya as the “Ginger Capital of the Philippines” to boost ginger production in the Cagayan Valley region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of increasing agricultural productivity, especially for spices like ginger, as part of efforts to revive rural economies. The administration aims to support farmers with better technology, infrastructure, and market access.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the designation signals a commitment to provide assistance to smallholder ginger farmers in Nueva Vizcaya and the wider region.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that Nueva Vizcaya led ginger production in 2024, with about 7,140 metric tons harvested from 933 hectares. The province has around 5,010 ginger growers and an average yield of 7.4 metric tons per hectare.

Nueva Vizcaya is also a major supplier of ginger to trading centers in Northern and Southern Luzon and Metro Manila, moving approximately 14,753 metric tons in 2024.

The province covers 481,388 hectares and produces other crops such as rice, corn, onion, garlic, tomatoes, melon, and mango, contributing to food security and rural agricultural development.