DTI trains Surigao Norte cooperative on organic fertilizer production
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte, through its Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), conducted a skills enhancement training on organic fertilizer production to members of the San Isidro Multipurpose Cooperative (SIMPUCO) in Barangay San Isidro, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.
In coordination with partner agencies such as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the initiative forms part of the DAR’s project on Village-Level Farm-focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) and supports the ongoing implementation of the DAR-DTI-DOST Synchronized Plan that aims to boost agrarian reform beneficiaries’ (ARBs) income by turning agricultural cooperatives into thriving and value-adding enterprises.
According to DTI Surigao del Norte, SIMPUCO has already taken steps in producing organic fertilizer using available agricultural by-products such as rice hulls, rice bran, poultry manure, and coconut husks. However, challenges in product quality, consistency, and the limited number of trained members highlighted the need for targeted capacity-building interventions.
It also shared that through this training, participants were given technical guidance on proper composting techniques, from collection and segregation of materials, shredding, mixing, and composting, to curing and packaging, ensuring improved processes and better-quality outputs.
The agency, which sees organic fertilizer production as a strategic opportunity to strengthen and complement the cooperative’s existing enterprises, added, “With an operational rice mill, a 1,000-head poultry farm, and a strong network of coconut and rice farmers, SIMPUCO generates substantial volumes of agricultural by-products and organic residues. Instead of going to waste, these materials can be transformed into valuable organic fertilizer inputs, creating a more sustainable, cost-efficient, and circular farming system that benefits all members.”
The session was facilitated by Ana Aishena B. Lakag, PCA-SDN staff and resource person, who shared her expertise in organic fertilizer production and quality management. Participants, on the other hand, gained insights on quality control, efficient resource utilization, and improved enterprise practices. These learnings aimed to enhance product standards, increase market readiness, and expand participation among cooperative members.
In his message Joselito, one of the participants and member of SIMPUCO thanked the national government and expressed deepest gratitude for providing them with the invaluable opportunity to enhance their skills and sustainable farming practices.
“Through this initiative, you have not only taught us the technicalities of converting waste into ‘black gold,’ but you have also empowered us to become more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious entrepreneurs. The knowledge we have gained regarding composting, fermentation, and soil health is a powerful tool that will directly impact our livelihoods and the quality of our harvests,” he said.
With strengthened skills and a clearer direction, SIMPUCO is now better positioned to improve its organic fertilizer production, maximize its resources, and support sustainable agricultural development in the community. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from CARP-DTI)
