Agusan Sur holds public hearing for price standardization on research, innovation services
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Agusan del Sur has initiated a public hearing on the proposed ordinance prescribing the fees for the services provided by the Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office (PRDIO) at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, here.
Held on
October 30, Board Member Edwin Elorde, chairperson of the Committees on
Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources, and Food Security, as well as
the Committee on Ways and Means, led the discussion together with the council.
Elorde
emphasized the importance of public participation in policymaking, noting that
the voices of stakeholders are vital in determining fair and balanced service
fees to be implemented by the PRDIO.
He
emphasized that the ordinance aims to promote transparency, security, and equal
access to PRDIO services.
“Your
presence is important for you to know that this is the law supporting the
operation of the newly created Soil Laboratory Office,” Elorde said.
Representatives
from various national government agencies (NGAs), including the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), attended the
hearing, along with municipal and city agriculturists, agri-fisheries council
chairpersons, agri-cooperative leaders, farmers’ association presidents, and
Sangguniang Bayan committee chairpersons on agriculture, fisheries, and
agrarian reform from the thirteen municipalities and the lone city of the
province.
The
purpose of the public hearing was to gather the views and opinions of stakeholders
to ensure that the ordinance addresses the operational needs of the PRDIO while
providing fair and quality service to its clients.
The proposed
ordinance outlines the provision of quality and accessible soil testing and
analytical laboratory services for farmers, agricultural institutions, and
other stakeholders within the province and beyond.
The PRDIO
offers services such as soil fertility testing and analysis, water testing and
analysis, plant nutrient testing, fertilizer testing, environmental pollutant
analysis, and other non-routine chemical analyses.
These
services include the assessment, collection, and enforcement of fees and
charges that will help sustain the continuous operation, maintenance, and
development of the laboratory.
One of
the questions raised during the discussion was about who is authorized to
collect soil samples.
“Our
congressional representative aims for everyone, especially the farmers, to have
the capability to extract soil samples,” Elorde explained.
“We have
capacity development training on how to properly extract samples. These
trainings are conducted until farmers are fully equipped and trusted to collect
soil samples,” added Dr. Oscar S. Jurado, supervising agriculturist of the
PRDIO.
It was
also discussed that the Soil Fertility Analysis Package, which costs around
P15,000, is free for farmers in Agusan del Sur through the P2 million
allocation per municipality, which covers up to 133 samples per municipality.
However, starting from the 134th sample, corresponding fees may apply.
Provincial officials assured that they would find solutions should such cases
arise.
After the
public hearing, the proposed ordinance will be elevated to its second reading,
where all suggestions, recommendations, and concerns raised during the
discussion will be reviewed and incorporated into the final draft.
Through this process, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan hopes to enhance the services of the PRDIO, ensure transparency and efficiency in the implementation of fees and services, strengthen agricultural support, and promote continuous innovation and growth for the Province of Agusan del Sur. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with the report from the PTV Agusan del Sur)
