Corn production in Western Visayas surged to 201,859 metric tons in 2025, marking an 11.9 percent increase from the 180,339 metric tons recorded in 2024, driven largely by expanded planting areas and strong provincial outputs.

The total harvested area across the region also grew nearly in step with production, rising 11.8 percent to 44,838 hectares from 40,118 hectares the previous year, highlighting the region’s ongoing investment in corn farming.

White and yellow corn both see gains

White corn production jumped 25.3 percent to 8,327 metric tons, while yellow corn — the bulk of regional output — reached 193,532 metric tons, up 11.4 percent from 173,694 metric tons in 2024.

In terms of harvested areas, white corn expanded by 14.0 percent to 3,220 hectares, while yellow corn area grew 11.6 percent to 41,618 hectares, reflecting stronger adoption of high-yield varieties and improved farm management practices.

Iloilo dominates regional corn output

Among Western Visayas provinces, Iloilo emerged as the top corn producer, contributing 54.1 percent of the total production, or 109,166 metric tons.

Capiz followed with 81,551 metric tons (40.4 percent), and Antique contributed 9,077 metric tons (4.5 percent).

Guimaras and Aklan shared the remaining output, each at 0.5 percent.

Iloilo also led the expansion of harvested areas in 2025, growing 13.6 percent to 24,710 hectares, which accounted for 7.4 percentage points of the region’s total growth.

Other provinces showing gains included Capiz (16,921 hectares, up 6.5%), Antique (2,279 hectares, up 39.4%), and Guimaras (536 hectares, up 24.7%).

Meanwhile, Aklan saw a 7.7 percent decline, reducing its share to 393 hectares.

Regional corn outlook

The strong performance in Iloilo underscores the province’s critical role in sustaining Western Visayas’ corn supply.

Combined with growth in other provinces, the region is poised to support both local consumption and inter-island trade, even as farmers face challenges from climate variability and market fluctuations.

With continued investment in high-yield seeds, improved irrigation, and farm support services, Western Visayas’ corn sector is expected to maintain its upward trajectory, offering both economic opportunities for farmers and a stable food supply for the region.IMT