By William Agda
The Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 13 (DA-RFO13), through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), organized a briefing and orientation on November 20, 2024, for proposed recipients of pre- and post-harvest facilities and equipment interventions for Fiscal Year 2025. The event was held at JB Nature Farm and Resort in Barangay Sukailang, Surigao City.
The activity was attended by representatives from various farmer associations and cooperatives, agricultural extension workers, technical staff from RAED, and the provincial pre- and post-harvest facilities and equipment coordinator. These stakeholders gathered to discuss the scope and implementation of the proposed interventions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.
Arlan M. Mangelen, Regional Executive Director of DA-RFO13, emphasized the importance of government initiatives in improving farm productivity and ensuring food security. He presented details about the proposed agricultural machinery and facilities, including their technical specifications and detailed engineering designs (DED). Mangelen underscored how these interventions align with the department’s mission to support local farmers and boost agricultural efficiency.
The proposed projects aim to provide significant assistance to farmers in the region by improving their capacity for planting and harvesting. These initiatives are expected to enhance the overall agricultural landscape in Surigao del Norte, contributing to a stable and resilient food supply chain.
Participants expressed their optimism about the projects, noting how these interventions would address challenges in the agricultural sector.