Secretary Tiu-Laurel, Jr. together with DA Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen, and General Luna Municipal Mayor Sol F. Matugas,  led.the turn-over of agri interventions to various Farmers Cooperatives and Associations

To personally see the agriculture initiatives at the ground level, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. visited Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on April 10. 

As part of the activities during his visit, Secretary Tiu-Laurel, Jr., together with Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen, led the DA-Caraga’s turnover of various agricultural interventions to various Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) from the different municipalities of Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.  

Among the interventions turned over were 200 durian seedlings, 200 heads of chicks, 200 heads of ducklings, 100 liters of fertilizer, 100 liters of herbicide, and 2 boxes of insecticide. 10 bags of hybrid white corn seeds, 500 pouches of assorted vegetable seeds, and 200 mushroom fruiting bags. 

Baltazar Escobia, Chairman of the Makugihing Mag-uuma sa Katipunan, said they are very thankful that their association was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the vegetable seeds and chicks. He said that the agricultural interventions will be a big help to them.  

In a message, Secretary Tiu-Laurel emphasized the importance of enhancing food production in the country, including in tourist destination areas. He said that the DA will continue to take measures and implement programs and projects to enhance food production to ensure food safety and sufficiency. 

Another highlight of the Secretary’s visit was the conduct of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo facilitated by the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) at Paseo de Cabuntog, General Luna. Various quality agricultural and fishery products such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and other marine products, both fresh and processed, were on display for sale.  

The P29/kilo rice were also sold at the Kadiwa. The P29 Program is a targeted intervention which intends to sell good quality P29/kilo rice to the disadvantaged sectors including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD), and solo parents.  

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo is a flagship program of the government that aims to empower local farmers and fisherfolk through establishing a direct market link, which enables them to sell their produce directly to the consumers at affordable prices.  

As part of his visit, Secretary Laurel also visited the site for the proposed 53-hectare Siargao Agri-Fishery Research Development Center (SIARDEC). The Secretary also took time to meet with the members of the DA Regional Management Committee. (Vanessa P. Sanchez, Information Officer II, DA-Caraga RAFIS)