Pangilinan lauds Agusan Sur for agricultural innovation, farmer empowerment
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) - Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, has commended the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) for its strong push to advance agriculture.
During his keynote address at the Stakeholders’ Forum and World Soil Day celebration on December 5, held at the Datu Lipus Makapandong covered court in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, the senator cited the province’s efforts amid the odds.
In his speech, Pangilinan acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers, particularly during calamities when agricultural lands are devastated by flooding. He emphasized that without government intervention, many farmers would struggle to sustain their livelihoods.
The senator recognized the efforts of Agusan del Sur 2nd District Representative Adolph Edward G. Plaza, whom he described as the country’s ‘soil health champion.’ Pangilinan cited Plaza’s initiatives in advancing agriculture through soil testing and analysis, as well as the establishment of the province’s state-of-the-art Biogeochemistry Research Laboratory. The facility tests soil samples collected from farms across the province to determine suitable crops and recommend optimal fertilizer applications.
“Through these initiatives, Representative Plaza has expressed how important the study of soil is to farmers,” Pangilinan said. He noted that while the national average rice harvest per hectare is only four tons, Agusan del Sur has achieved six tons per hectare—30 percent higher than the national average—through soil testing and proper land management.
Pangilinan emphasized that with proper soil management, the Philippines could eventually surpass its current rice sufficiency rate of 77 percent and move from importing rice to exporting it. He also announced plans to expand Agusan del Sur’s soil testing program to other provinces in Caraga within the next two and a half years, with the goal of eventually rolling it out nationwide.
The senator toured the soil research laboratory, managed by the Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office (PRDIO), which was inaugurated on June 24 of this year. The facility was established following benchmarking visits by Representative Plaza, Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., and other provincial officials to internationally renowned soil laboratories, including those in Australia.
In a press briefing with local media, Pangilinan underscored the urgency of addressing poverty among farmers and fisherfolk, which stands at 27 percent compared to the national poverty rate of 16 percent. “It is sad to note that those who produce our food are having a hard time even feeding themselves. This is a pressing issue that needs urgent intervention,” he said.
“Here in Agusan del Sur, we can really see that agriculture is being given utmost priority and importance by the provincial government,” Pangilinan added, stressing that if agriculture receives greater government support through funding and investment, food security will be within arm’s reach and agricultural competitiveness will be at par with neighboring countries.
Senator Pangilinan’s visit underscored the growing recognition of Agusan del Sur as a model for science-based agriculture in the country. With the province’s commitment to soil health and sustainable farming, local leaders and farmers show how innovation and government support can work hand in hand to ensure food sufficiency and help rural communities. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
