By William Agda
The Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted its 2024 Information Caravan titled “Masaganang Agrikultura, Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas” on November 28, 2024, at the Surigao City Gymnasium. The event drew over 600 farmers and fisherfolk from various parts of Surigao del Norte.
The caravan aimed to disseminate critical knowledge and updates on DA programs and projects, empowering beneficiaries to maximize available resources and opportunities. This initiative forms part of the agency’s efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in the region.
The event was led by key figures in agriculture and local governance. Among the attendees were Deputy General Adolfo Gutierrez from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen, Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega, Surigao del Norte Governor Hon. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, and Surigao City ABC President and Agriculture Committee Chair Hon. Florenillo Ravelo.
Participants were introduced to the latest developments in various DA programs, including the Masagana Rice Industry Program, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) Composting Facilities for Biodegradable Waste, corn support services, cassava interventions and market potentials, livestock support programs, biological control and integrated pest management, and the High-Value Crops Development Program.
The event underscored the government’s commitment to bringing agricultural advancements to rural areas, enabling farmers and fisherfolk to boost productivity and contribute to a more prosperous agricultural landscape.