Agusan Norte strengthens economy, advances food security through governance, agriculture gains
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Agusan del Norte has strengthened its economy, expanded livelihood opportunities, and advanced food security through improved governance and strategic investments in agriculture, Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante reported during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Wednesday, June 17.
Amante said the province’s gains over the past three years reflect the collective efforts of government agencies, local communities, and development partners in delivering better services and creating greater opportunities for Agusanons.
“I stand before you to report not only on where Agusan del Norte stands, but on the progress that we have achieved together. This is not simply an account of projects completed or funds spent, but a reflection of how the collective efforts of our people, our communities, and our partners have translated into better services and greater opportunities for every Agusanon,” she said.
Supporting the national development agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly on food security, agricultural modernization, and inclusive growth, the province posted a 33.84 percent increase in local income from P286 million in 2023 to P383 million in 2025, allowing it to maintain its first-class province status and strengthen its fiscal position.
The province also earned national recognition for its revenue performance, ranking among the country’s top-performing provinces in local source revenue generation and fiscal growth.
Amante emphasized that stronger revenues have enabled the provincial government to expand public services and invest in development priorities.
Beyond fiscal gains, the province continued to improve the lives of Agusanons through partnerships with national government agencies. Through convergence efforts, 35,662 residents received medical and financial assistance, emergency employment, livelihood support, and skills development services, while some P270 million was mobilized for socio-economic assistance programs.
Agriculture remained a key driver of growth, with the provincial government investing in rice, fisheries, coconut, corn, coffee, and livestock development to increase productivity, strengthen value chains, and improve market access for farmers and fisherfolk.
Among the province’s major accomplishments was the establishment of three operational Rice Processing Systems in Jabonga, Cabadbaran City, and Remedios T. Romualdez, helping improve post-harvest efficiency, increase farmers’ incomes, and strengthen local food systems.
Aquaculture interventions in Tubay and Buenavista likewise enabled fisherfolk organizations to produce more than 11 metric tons of milkfish and generate over P1.65 million in sales, while coconut, corn, and coffee development programs expanded livelihood opportunities and improved farm productivity across the province.
The province also intensified veterinary services and disease surveillance, enabling Agusan del Norte to remain resilient against threats such as African Swine Fever and Avian Influenza, safeguarding both food security and livelihoods.
“These accomplishments show that development administration is not only about internal government systems. It is partnering with institutions so that economic gains, public resources, and government programs reach communities more effectively,” Amante said.
She added that the province will continue building on these gains through responsive governance, stronger local economies, and sustained investments in agriculture and human development to ensure that progress reaches every Agusanon. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
