Saturday, July 9, 2022

PPA Surigao Re-Orients Solar Lamps to Illuminate City Streets and Sidewalks

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte --The streets of Surigao City port areas are now amply illuminated with re-oriented, bright solar lamps installed at the Port of Surigao perimeter fences. 

To maximize the use of the newly-installed solar lamps, the Port Management Office of Surigao has chosen to re-orient   the outdoor-type solar LED lamps installed at the port’s perimeter fences to help illuminate the sidewalks of P. Reyes and Borromeo Streets of the Surigao City port area. 

Mounted high on steel lamp posts, each of these solar LED lights emit at least 200 to 500 lumens which are bright enough to amply illuminate  these vital thoroughfares.

Eleven (11) pairs of LED lamps are installed at P. Reyes Street (from the corner of Borromeo Street leading to the City Boulevard) while twenty five (25) pairs  are installed at the stretch of Borromeo Street from corner P. Reyes up to the Punta Bilang Bilang basin.

These installed lamps are sufficient to  brighten up the sidewalks and streets of the Surigao City port area.  

"Apart from providing enhanced security to the Surigao Port Community, solar-powered lamps promote renewable energy and significantly lessen the carbon footprint of the Port of Surigao in line with our Green Ports Initiative," said Acting PMO Surigao Port Manager Froilan Caturla. (PPA- PMO Surigao)

 

Thursday, July 7, 2022

DRRMazing Race ginawa sa pagbubukas ng National Disaster Resilience Month sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Bumida sa pagbubukas ng National Disaster Resilience Month sa Agusan del Norte ang mga kakaibang paraan upang maibahagi ang iba’t ibang approaches sa pag-implementa ng mga Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) programs sa komunidad, kung saan nakatutok ito sa apat na DRRM thematic areas.

Isinagawa ang DRRMazing Race na nahati sa apat na grupo, ang disaster preparedness, disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster response at disaster rehabilitation and recovery, kung saan sila ay magpapakita ng kani-kanilang kaalaman na nakabase sa kanilang thematic areas.

Ayon kay Jorge Vincent Pagaran, ang hepe ng training division ng Provincial DRRM Office, ito ay isang kakaibang paraan ng pagtuklas at pagbbaahagi ng kaaalaman ng mga myembro ng council.

“This is a new approach sa pag-impliment sa ating DRRM dahil sa ating LDRM plan we are using thematic kaya dapat ang pag-impliment ng mga programs and plans thematic din,” ayon ni Pagaran.

Masaya rin si Jover Manliguez, presidente ng League of Ngusan del norte DRRMOs na nabigyan silang mga DRRM officers na muling maipakita ang kanilang kakayahan kasama ang ibang mga myembro ng PDRRM Council lalo na ang kahandaan at sa panahon na may disaster, dahil unti-unting nagbabalik na sa normal ang buhay pagkatapos ng dalawang taong dahil sa COVID-19. Hinikayat din nya ang kapwa DRRMOs na magkaisa.

“We are happy that after two years we are gathered here with diffirent LGUs to promote and strengthen our camaraderie between all and among LGUs of Agusan del Norte,” dagdag ni Manliguez.

Biningyan din ng malaking importansya ni governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante ang kahalagana ng pagiging handa, kinilala din nya ang kahalagahan ng mga youth responders ng probinsya, ang mga Young ADNERTs. “The best preparation is any disaster is investing in trainings,” she said. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

 

Thursday, July 7, 2022

DILG: 13 barangays pass the 2021 SGLGB in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga announced  the 13 Barangay Passers of the  “2021 Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay” (SGLGB) in the Province of Surigao del Sur. 

Based on the report, the following are the Barangay passers:
● Barangay Poblacion, Barobo;
● Barangay Bacolod, Cagwait;
● Barangay San Vicente, Carmen;
● Barangay Gamuton, Carrascal;
● Barangay Telaje, Tandag City;
● Barangay Burgos, Cortes;
● Barangay Payasan, Lianga;
● Barangay Alegria, Marihatag;
● Barangay Kauswagan, San Agustin;
● Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel;
● Barangay Santa Cruz, Tagbina;
● Barangay Badong, Tago; and
● Barangay Mansailao, Lingig

Based on the guidelines, the implementation of the 2021 Pilot Testing of the SGLGB was designed to encourage and challenge the barangays to scale up their performances and practices of good governance to the principles of accountability, transparency, performance, and effectiveness. It is in line with the role of the barangay in the overall development and transformation of the community and of the nation.

Accordingly, the initial pilot testing of the SGLGB was conducted in 2019 to 1,034 barangays nationwide.

Considering the recommendations of SGLGB partner stakeholders and the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020, the DILG Office conducted the second round of pilot testing this year, still covering one barangay per city/municipality, it was learned. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

AgSur Citizen Soldiers send Medical,  Support Services Team contingents to PDI

BUTUAN CITY -- The Medical Team of the  Headquarters Company, 1502nd (Agusan del Sur) Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn) composed of doctors and nurses led by its Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ma. Teresa P Baylon, were utilized as part of the Medical Team and Support Team contingents of the 15^th Regional Community Defense Group (15RCDG) during a Medical Mission and Feeding Program in the Province of Dinagat Islands. 

The Medical Mission is one of the highlights during the Peoples' Fair and Launching of One Dinagat Movement with the theme "Celebration and Thanksgiving of Life and New Beginning" held on July 4, 2022 at the Capitol Grounds, Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. 

 

The said Medical Team headed by Dra. Susan Marañon, conducted medical consultations, referral for laboratory procedures and endorsement to specialists for treatment and management of patients. Moreover, they also conducted lecture-demo on proper tooth brushing, fluoride varnish application and distribution of dental health kits and vitamins. 

 

Meanwhile, the Support Team assisted the serving of food during the feeding program. (2Lt Adones L. Apilada, Ex-O, 1502 CDC, 15RCDG/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

POPCOM Caraga, DKT ink MOA

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Caraga signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. as partners in the implementation of family planning information and service provision to men and women with unmet need for modern family planning in Caraga region.

In the MOA signed by POPCOM Caraga Regional Director, Alexander A. Makinano and Ms. Loida M. Almendares, Head of Programs, DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc., POPCOM Caraga shall provide support in the development and implementation of social behavior change and communication initiatives at the local level; and provide FP methods (such as IUD, condoms, injectables and pills for new and current users) to men and women of reproductive ages, with added focus on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) during demand generation activities; 

The MOA further stated that the DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. shall provide the indispensable supply to POPCOM Caraga according to the existing national and regional guidelines on reducing unmet need for modern family planning methods and services; and provide the necessary technical assistance as well as coordinate with the Local Government Units (LGUs) for the monitoring of the corresponding activities.

POPCOM Caraga immediately mapped out a plan for the conduct of the refresher course, demand generation, and service provision in the various communities in the whole region. (Dian Joy L. Martinez, POPCOM Caraga/PIA Caraga)

 

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Carrascal to hold Promotional Video Contest

CARRASCAL, Surigao del Sur -- The Local Government Unit of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, through the Municipal Tourism Office in partnership with LANTAW Creatives (Carrascal Association of Digital Artists) will present "Promotional Video Contest 2022" in celebration of the Pahinungod Festival 2022  from  July 14 to16, 2022.

Based on the mechanics, the said contest is open to all amateur/professional Filipino videographers as long as they can come to Carrascal town. The employees of LGU-Carrascal and the members of LANTAW Creatives are also eligible to participate in the contest.

 

Each group must have a maximum of three (3) members.

 

All video entries must be between five (5) to seven (7) minutes both in the preliminary and final rounds

 

Interested videographers must register online only via this link https://forms.gle/zgsuejFQ9jzyPBzcA  and pay  the registration fee of ₱ 250.00 per organization.

 

There will be a preliminary round where all participants will feature their place (town/city). The video presented will tell a story about the subject place (town/city). 

 

Only the TOP-5 participants will proceed to the final round, which is an actual video contest presented during the Pahinungod Festival 2022 that will capture the 3-day celebration.

 

The deadline for submission of entries will be on July 12, 2022 at 12:00 PM, and must be sent by email to lantawcreatives@gmail.com  with the format in the email subject header: <NAME OF THE GROUP> <TITLE or CAPTION>.

 

The grand winner will receive a cash prize of P30, 000.00 and a plaque. The nonwinners will also receive consolation prizes of P10, 000.00 each and a certificate.

 

For more information and queries, interested participants can message directly on the official Facebook Page: Carrascal Tourism Culture and Arts or LANTAW Creatives. (LGU-Carrascal/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

 

 

 

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

DA Caraga supports Dinagat Islands Agri

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, July 5 (PIA) -- Determined to raise farmers’ profitability and competitiveness, the Department of Agriculture-Caraga continues to provide interventions for the benefit of agri frontliners in Caraga region. 

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. personally led the handover of vegetable seedlings, free-range chicken, farm machinery, and equipment amounting to ₱41.66 million to 13 rice & corn-based farmers associations and to Local Government Units in the Province of Dinagat Islands on July 4. 

The interventions were officially received by Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr and Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo during the Provincial  People’s Fair and Launching of One Dinagat Movement. 

“The province depends on agriculture and fishing as  the key sources of economy and employment. The DA and its attached agencies and bureaus in collaboration with the Local Government Units will continuously deliver essential programs and services in restoring the livelihood and local economy on the island,” said Director Oñate.  

Intended to boost food production in the province DA-Caraga’s Rice Program turned over 1 rice thresher, 2 floating tillers, 2 grain collectors, 1 rice mill, and 1 rice combine harvester with a total worth of ₱3.79 million. 

In addition, the Corn Program turned over 1 corn mill, 1 cassava chipper, and 2 corn husker-sheller with a total worth of ₱1.16 million. The High-Value Crops Development Program in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office headed by OIC- Provincial Agriculturist Rico Galinato distributed vegetable seeds/ seedlings, and farm tools worth ₱1.82 million. 

The Livestock Program also handed a total of 5 Egg Incubators worth ₱300,000.00. In collaboration with the Provincial Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Aimee Jimeno distributed 600 free-ranged chickens to women’s associations in the province. 

Meanwhile, the Farm to Market Road Development Program awarded ₱34 million for the concreting of 2 barangay FMRs. 

Director Oñate was accompanied by OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega, Agriculture Program Coordination Office - PDI Chief Rey Frias, and Banner Program Coordinators and DA-Caraga Personnel. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

 

 

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

15 micro-enterprises graduated under KMME-MME from SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Some 15 micro-enterprises from Surigao del Sur (SDS) graduated under the 2022 Kapatid Mentor Me-Money Market Encounter (KMME-MME) Online Batch 1 after successfully completing the program, yesterday, July 4, 2022.

There were 5 mentees who were recognized for presenting excellent Business Improvement Plans (BIPs) as follows:

1.       Mr. Rey Anthony Malacaste (Maker’s Avenue Printing Services) Cagwait, SDS, 

2.       Ms. Judith Morado (Morado’s Food Product Manufacturing) Tandag City,

3.       Ms. Marissa Morales (Besties Convenience Store) Bislig City,

4.       Ms. Marineth Pingol (Mee Samuel Rice and Corn Trading) Madrid, SDS, and

5.       Ms. Kristine Dawn Salazar (Jonas Agrivet Supply).

Ms. Marivic Orig - Orig Bookkeeping Services, of Madrid, Madrid, SDS on the other hand was awarded  as Best BIP.

The KMME-MME is a regular program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) to train micro-enterprises through a 10-module mentorship program in order to boost their entrepreneurial capacity.

The program started in 2017 but due to pandemic, its implementation is conducted online. DTI-CARAGA facilitates its implementation, the PCE provides the mentors, while the 5 DTI Provincial Offices of Caraga provide the mentees from their respective areas.

A total of 16 micro-entrepreneurs from Surigao del Sur enrolled, completed the module, and prepared the Business Improvement Plan but only 15 were able to present the BIP.  The remaining mentee will be presenting her BIP in the next batch.

In her message, Ms. Marivic Orig said, “My fellow KMME graduates, let us grind and shine our businesses. Always remember what we learned from our mentors and be the channel of blessings to others and never hesitate to share this amazing and life-changing opportunity.  See you at the top! To DTI and PCE, thank you and Mabuhay ang KMME!”

The 15 KMME-MME Online Batch 1 graduates of Surigao del Sur shall now compose the 116 KMME graduates of the province, it was learned. (DTI-SDS Provincial Office/PIA-Surigap del Sur)

Monday, July 4, 2022

AgSur, SurSur farmers avail DA’s farm mechanization

BUTUAN CITY – To further boost the corn and cassava industry in Caraga region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga has turned-over a total of P5.7 million worth of various agricultural machinery and equipment to the two farmer associations in the region.

During the visit of DA’s National Corn Program Director Milo Delos Reyes on June 27-30, 2022, he spearheaded the turn-over of four agricultural machineries.

The Mapulian Farmers Association composed of cassava farmers in Hawilian, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur received the P1.89 million worth of hauling truck. The Bangsud, Anahaw, Bag-o, Kinabigtasan Farmers Association (BAKIFA) of Tago, Surigao del Sur also received one unit of Combine Harvester, Corn Planter, and Pump and Engine Set worth P3.83 million.

According to Director Delos Reyes, the said interventions aim to help the farmers cope with the challenges in the agricultural sector not just in the region but in the whole country as well.

He emphasized the importance of regenerative agriculture, an approach that leads to better, more resilient crops grown through sustainable methods, and, at the same time fight the crisis that threatens food security in the country.

"With this new equipment, we continue to improve in farming and produce more to cover the high demand in crops. As you may have more crops grown, and start to reap the fruit of your labor, don’t ever forget the environment, practice regenerative agriculture," he said.

Delos Reyes urged the farmers' association to strive more and never stop tilling their land since government agencies are closely assisting them.

With the One DA Reform Agenda, DA commits to assist the farmers to increase production through the mechanization program and other programs and projects the farmers may avail.

“Optimize the use of the equipment given by our government, follow the recommended operation and maintenance procedure to make it serviceable in the longest possible time,” Rebecca Reyes Atega, DA-Caraga’s Regional Technical  Director for Operations appealed.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the farm machinery were grateful to the government for the equipment they received.

"Our association is grateful for the new machinery. It is our long dream to have this kind of equipment but now it has been realized through the DA. It is a big help for our livelihood to ease and expedite our work, lessen our expenses, and earn more,” Richard Virtudazo, BAKIFA Chairperson said.

Director Delos Reyes also visited farms and projects on corn, cassava and soybeans in Esperanza Agusan del Sur; Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte;  and Tago and San Agustin in  Surigao del Sur. (Lovely Joy L. Saludez, DA-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

 

Monday, July 4, 2022

Kampanya sa Pagpalambo nga Agusan Up, ipadayon ni Gob. Matba

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN -- “AGUSAN UP!, we will continue it.”

Kini ang gipadayag ni incoming Governor-elect Angel Amante-Matba sa katawhan sa Agusan del Norte sa Ceremonial Turn-over and Awarding Ceremony nga gihimo niadtong Byrnes, July 1 sa Butuan City. 

Sumala pa ni Gov. Amante-Matba, mubo lang ang panahon nga gihatag sulod sa ilang termino sa pagpanerbisyo sa katawhan sa probinsya isip public official. Pasabot niya, tungod niini, nanginahanglan kini og paspas nga pagpanerbisyo ug pagpadangat og serbisyo ngadto sa katawhan sa Agusan.

“The AGUSAN UP, we will continue it because we have already started it. Maayo ang mga programs sa Agusan Up, therefore we cannot go back to square one, kung asa na siya karon. I want to know what will be the second step, third step until we reach the goal for the province” matud pa ni Gov. Amante-Matba.

Nakita sa gobernador ang daku ang mahinungdanon papel sa panaghiusa sa direksyon ug vision nga mahimong “Agri-Processing Center in the Caraga Region by 2027” pinaagi sa AGUSAN UP development campaign nga gisugdan na sa kanhing administrasyon ni outgoing Governor ug Congressman-elect Dale B. Corvera tali sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan, Congressional Office ug mga munisipyo ug syudad aron mahimong paspas ang pagpadangat og serbisyo ug kalambuan sa Agusan del Norte.

Pasabot sa gobernador nga daku usab kaayo og hagit sa Hiniusang Liderato o ang mga elected nga mga opisyales sa Agusan del Norte tungod taas ang ekspektasyon sa katawhan sa maong liderato.

“We went around and set our pace that people will vote for us. And these are the things that we will do,” matud pa sa gobernador.

Gawas sa mga elected officials, daku usab og hagit ngadto sa empleyado sa kapitolyo nga mahimong han-ay ang sistema niini. Ang sistema nga mamahimong makahatag og dakong demands sa pagpanghatag og mga serbisyo.

Gipaniguro usab ni Congressman Dale B. Corvera ang iyang dakung suporta isip working partner aron masiguro ang kalambuan sa panginabuhi sa katawhan sa Agusan del Norte.

“Mo ingon ko nga usa ko ka karon sa mga leader nga mo biya pagka gobernador but I will leave you with something worth continuing. A vision worth completing and a dream worth fulfilling. But I assure you that I will be your working partner in Congress to ensure the good future of the people of Agusan del Norte” sumala pa ni Cong. Corvera.

Hangyo usab ni Gov. Amante-Matba nga sa umaabot nga panahon makita ug madumduman sa mga tao ang gibuhat nga maayong serbisyo sa ilaha.

“There will come a time, that we will also end but let us end it with legacy nga madumdoman ta sa tao that during our incumbency we gave the best for them and they have a very good future to look up to,” paambit niya.

“This is a new chapter, a new challenge for all of us, there is a reason why we all won overwhelmingly. The challenge now is we have to deliver the goods for the people of Agusan del Norte,” panapos ni Gov. Amante-Matba. (Karen Kei Decamotan, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Monday, July 4, 2022

Tandag City commemorates Nutrition Month

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The City Government of Tandag through the Office of the Tandag City Nutrition Council under the leadership of Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel conducted the 2022 Nutrition Month Opening Salvo held on July 01, 2022 at the Executive Lobby, City Hall, Barangay Awasian, Tandag City.

Anchored on the theme, "New Normal na Nutrisyon, Sama-Samang gawan ng Solusyon!", the monthlong event highlighted the following activities during the day-1:

1. 2022 Nutrition Month Forum;

2. Ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Fiesta sa Nayon: A Nutrition Month 2022 Photo Exhibit/ gallery of the Tandag City Nutrition Program Best Practices and showcasing the different kinds of native and healthy local delicacies; and

3. Zumba.
The opening salvo was joined by the City Nutrition Committee members, different offices and agencies in the City Government of Tandag, and the Barangay Nutrition Scholars of the 21 Barangays of Tandag City.

City Vice Mayor Hon. Eleanor Momo ably represented by Ms. Lourdes Louella Escandor, Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), delivered her Opening Remarks. She emphasized the importance of good nutrition during this time of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Mayor Pimentel has presented during her inspirational message the 10 “Kumainments” (Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos) as a key to having a better quality of life.

Mayor Pimentel has also mentioned her utmost support for the city's wellness program that will benefit the LGU employees, it was learned. (NGPB, with a report from LGU-Tandag City/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Sunday, July 3, 2022

DA-Caraga Taps Media Practitioners to Promote Abonong Swak

BUTUAN CITY -- To help the farmers cope with the hurdles in rice cultivation amid the rising prices of inputs, particularly fertilizer, the Department of Agriculture (DA) promoted a technology for a Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) incorporating inorganic and organic fertilizers in the field.

To hasten the campaign dubbed as, *Abonong Swak", DA-Caraga conducted a Media Briefing on June 24, 2022  to share to media practitioners the said technology and make them as effective partners in the program dissemination campaign.

Regional Information Officer Emmylou Presilda said that the media has a great role in disseminating the technology to their respective readers or listeners.

“Your presence today is a manifestation of your strong commitment to help the farmers through your programs, and we are so thankful for that,” she noted. 

The Media Briefing for Abonong Swak is a kick-off activity for an Information Caravan of Abonong Swak for the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in the local government units this month of July.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate said the Abonong Swak campaign supports the agency’s Balanced Fertilization Strategy, highlighting the importance of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers to reduce production costs while ensuring a higher yield.

“This campaign aims to widen the utilization of both organic and inorganic fertilizers. With our goal to empower the farmers in addressing the rising fertilizer prices, its success is dependent on  the support of the local government units (LGUs) and the farmers embracing the Abonong Swak recommendations,” he said.

" No matter how good is our strategy, without the support of our LGUs and the farmers themselves, it would be impossible to achieve its purpose, so we have to collaborate to attain the intended goal,” Director Oñate, Jr. added.

According to Regie Bicamon, Senior Agriculturist at DA-Regional Soils Laboratory, the idea of Balanced Fertilization is a revival undertaking since this  was introduced more than 20 years ago.

She also explained the different recommended combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers based on targeted production volume and stressed that by following the technology, farmers could save production costs.

“The Combo 1 entails 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms (kgs) per hectare (ha) target production; Combo 2 has 5,000 to 6,000 kgs per ha target production; while Combo 3 includes 7,000 to 8,000 kgs per ha target production. Following the Abonong Swak technology, farmers could save P2,000 to P4,000 a hectare,” she said.

Enocensio B. Minguez, Agriculturist  II, BFS Focal Person said that there are 18 sites identified in the five provinces in the region to showcase the three combos for the farmers to see for themselves the advantages of adopting the technology.

“We provide input on demo sites based on the farmers’ choice of combo. The result will be a strong evidence to our farmers on the effectiveness of Abonong Swak,” he concluded.

BFS is a strategy laid down to the farmers to choose among the three recommended fertilizer applications based on budget and the target yield, incorporating organic and inorganic fertilizers to lessen the dependency on the inorganic inputs to cut down production expenses. (Lovely Joy Saludez, DA-Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte )

 

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Corn and Cassava Farmers in AgSur and SurSur Avail Farm Mechanization 

BUTUAN CITY -- A total of P5.7 million worth of various agricultural machinery and equipment were turned over by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga to the two farmer associations to further boost the corn and cassava industry in the region. 

During the visit of DA’s National Corn Program Director Milo Delos Reyes on June 27-30, 2022, he spearheaded the turnover of four agricultural machineries. 

The Mapulian Farmers Association composed of cassava farmers in Hawilian, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur received the P1.89 million worth of hauling truck . While Bangsud, Anahaw, Bag-o, Kinabigtasan Farmers Association (BAKIFA) of Tago, Surigao del Sur received one unit of Combine Harvester, Corn Planter, and Pump and Engine Set worth P3.83 M. 

According to Director Delos Reyes, the said interventions were designed to help the farmers cope with the challenges in the agricultural sector not just in the region but in the whole country as well. 

He emphasized the importance of regenerative agriculture, an approach that leads to better, more resilient crops grown through sustainable methods, and, at the same time fights the crisis that threatens food security in the country. 

"This new equipment will upgrade farming and will produce more corn and cassava to meet the high demand in food. As you may have more crops grown, and start to reap the fruit of your labor, don’t ever forget the environment, practice regenerative agriculture," he said.

Delos Reyes urged the farmers' association to strive more and never stop tilling their land since government agencies are closely assisting them. 

With the OneDA Reform Agenda, DA commits to assist the farmers to increase production through the mechanization program and other programs and projects the farmers may avail. 

“Optimize the use of the equipment given by our government, follow the recommended operation and maintenance procedure to make it serviceable in the longest possible time,” Rebecca Reyes Atega, DA-Caraga’s Regional Technical  Director for Operations appealed.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the farm machinery were grateful to the government for the equipment they received. 

 "Our association is grateful for the new machinery. It is our long dream to have this kind of equipment but now it has been realized through the DA. It is a big help for our livelihood to ease and expedite our work, lessen our expenses, and earn more,” Richard Virtudazo, BAKIFA Chairperson said.

Director Delos Reyes also visited farms and projects on corn, cassava and soybeans in Esperanza Agusan del Sur; Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte;  and Tago and San Agustinin  Surigao del Sur. (Lovely Joy L. Saludez/DA-Caraga)