DOST partners with BFAR to strengthen Dinagat Islands’ modern agriculture
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Provincial Science and Technology Office – Dinagat Islands (PSTO-PDI), strengthened its partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga, through the Provincial Fisheries Office – Dinagat Islands (PFO-PDI), with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the project “Action PDI: Advancing Circular Transformation and Innovation for Modern Agriculture Towards a Progressive Dinagat Islands.”
Sealed on March 9, the Action PDI aims to introduce innovative technologies and science-based solutions that could enhance agricultural and aquaculture productivity, strengthen food security, and improve the livelihood of local farmers and fisherfolk in Dinagat Islands. Through this collaboration, PSTO-PDI and PFO-PDI will jointly implement capacity-building programs, technology training, and strategic interventions that promote modern and sustainable farming and fisheries practices.
DOST Provincial Director Ann O. Tibe, said, “This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both agencies to empower local communities through the effective utilization of science and technology. With strengthened collaboration and support from local stakeholders, the Action PDI project is expected to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions, foster resilient agricultural systems, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the province.”
She cited some partnership consensus, including PFO-PDI to provide bangus (𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘴) fry, feeds, farm supplies, and materials, as well as technical training to support aquaculture production and strengthen the capacity of local fisherfolk and beneficiaries under the project.
Meanwhile, DOST Caraga enforced the Action PDI on March 11, formalizing its implementation with the local government of Libjo, through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Libjo Mayor Melody L. Compasivo signified the shared commitment of both institutions to implement technology-based interventions that will benefit farmers and fisherfolk in the municipality, pave the way for potential areas of collaboration, and strengthen partnerships in advancing science, technology, and innovation initiatives in the municipality. “This partnership marks a significant step in promoting science-based solutions for agricultural development in Libjo.”
Following the recent partnership with LGU Libo, BFAR Caraga, through its PFO-PDI also conducted a three-day training on bangus garungan production on March 17 to 18 in Sitio Salvador, Barangay Llamera, Libjo, bringing together members of the Salvador Garungan Fisherfolk Association and equipping them with technical knowledge and financial management skills to better manage their project on bangus garungan.
Under the Action PDI, this initiative will boost local aquaculture development, promote self-reliance, and enhance the productivity of fisherfolk communities in the town. It also seeks to address the continuing shortage of bangus fingerlings in the province by building local capacity for sustainable garungan production, ensuring a more stable and accessible supply for aquaculture operations. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DOST Dinagat Islands and PFO-PDI)
