Kitcharao town in Agusan Norte provides free fuel, transport services to farmers
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In response to rising fuel prices, the local government unit (LGU) of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, continues to provide free fuel and transportation services to local farmers, helping ease the burden of increasing production and marketing costs.
This initiative is in line with Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen support mechanisms for the agriculture sector and cushion farmers from the impact of global oil price increases.
The free fuel assistance and transportation on ‘hatid-sundo’, which means to bring and to fetch, are provided every Tuesday and Friday during the ‘Tabo sa LGU Farm’ or market day at the LGU Farm, allowing farmers to bring and sell their produce without incurring additional expenses.
According to Municipal Agriculturist Raul M. del Agua, during the Panagtigum sa Tabo sa Kitcharao LGU Farm on March 24, especially now that fuel and other commodity prices are rising, the LGU has intensified its monitoring of farmers’ conditions and the welfare of its constituents to ensure sustained support.
“Even in difficult times, Mayor Jenry E. Montante never neglected us. Every market day, we earn no less than a thousand pesos and are able to save. This is a big help to our family,” said Mary Rose Moralde, a farmer from Barangay San Isidro, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, in an interview during the conduct of the Panagtigum sa Tabo sa Kitcharao LGU Farm.
Mayor Montante emphasized the importance of supporting farmers, “It is very important that we help our farmers because they are the ones who provide us with food.”
Moralde expressed her gratitude to the LGU and to the programs led by Mayor Montante, including the provision of free seedlings and fertilizers, which help improve their livelihood.
Moralde is among the beneficiaries who regularly receive assistance from the LGU for their farming activities, together with her husband. They cultivate a one-hectare farm planted with various vegetables and also raise cattle and chickens provided by the LGU as additional sources of income.
She added that the free transportation to the market allows them to sell their produce without incurring expenses, enabling them to earn more and support their daily needs.
The ‘Panaagtigum sa Tabo sa Kitcharao LGU Farm’ is the first episode for 2026, facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga- government information center in Agusan del Norte, while the 2nd quarter episode will be conducted in the Province of Dinagat Islands.
Panagtigum, which means “gathering” in the local dialect, is conducted in areas closest to communities such as public markets (tabo), barangay halls, schools, and other accessible venues.
This is a regional initiative of the PIA Caraga that emerged as a replicable and sustainable model of people-centered governance. By bridging the gap between the government and grassroots communities and promoting two-way communication, it paves the way for a more informed, empowered, and resilient citizenry.
As Panagtigum continues to be rolled out across the Caraga region, more communities are expected to benefit, demonstrating that when people are well-informed, they become more empowered. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
