Surigao Sur farmers’ coop receive P1.1M agricultural support
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur -- As part of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector, the San Nicolas Development Cooperative (SANIDECO) in DoΓ±a Carmen, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur received a P1.1million agricultural support package on January 8.
Municipal Agriculturist Warlito D. Untua said, “The intervention package, consisting of coffee seedlings, organic fertilizers, techno-demo sessions for aging coffee trees, pole pruners, and soil augers, is designed to enhance agricultural productivity and uplift the livelihoods of local farmers.”
“This initiative, under the Department of Agriculture’s High-Value Crops Development Program and the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan, was made possible through the proactive efforts of the local government unit (LGU) of Tagbina through the Municipal Agriculture Office,” Untua added.
Municipal Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete led the ceremonial turnover which also served as a prelude to the Kaalimyon Festival, reflecting the town's identity as the “land of aroma.”
Mayor Lanete underscored the program's importance, stating, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to empowering farmers, securing food sustainability, and driving economic progress. The support of the Department of Agriculture has been invaluable in realizing these goals.”
The techno-demo sessions included in the package are expected to provide farmers with modern techniques to rejuvenate aging coffee trees and ensure sustainable farming practices. By equipping farmers with both tools and knowledge, the program sought to address long-standing challenges in the local farming sector.
This recent activity was built on previous successes, such as SANIDECO’s acquisition of a P9.6 million subproject for the consolidation and processing of green coffee beans on May 10, 2024 that collectively bolstered Tagbina's position as a hub for agricultural innovation and economic development.
The turnover ceremony not only reflected the alignment of local efforts with PBBM’s agricultural agenda but also marked another chapter in Tagbina’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive growth. With these interventions, farmers in Tagbina are poised to achieve higher productivity and stronger economic resilience in the months ahead. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)