Long hailed as the food basket of the Caraga Region, Agusan del Sur is now taking a transformative leap in agricultural development with the launch of the country’s first-ever state-of-the-art Provincial Research, Development, and Innovation Office (PRDIO).

The P400-million facility was officially inaugurated on June 24, 2025, at the D.O. Plaza Government Center in Prosperidad. Designed as a hub for soil analysis, crop research, and sustainable agricultural practices, the PRDIO is set to revolutionize farming in the region through science-based and climate-resilient innovations.

“This is more than just infrastructure—it is a celebration of innovation, dedication, and hope,” said Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization Roger V. Navarro during the ceremonial launch. “We are not just investing in facilities; we are investing in people—our farmers, our youth.”

The facility will initially offer soil fertility testing capable of analyzing 16 essential elements. Soon, it will expand services to include water quality testing, plant nutrient analysis, fertilizer quality assessment, environmental pollutant analysis, and other advanced diagnostic services. These innovations are aimed at helping farmers determine the characteristics of their soil and the most appropriate fertilization strategies to improve crop quality and yield.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Hae Kyong Yu, who also graced the event, praised the initiative for its alignment with global efforts in sustainable farming. “Australia and the Philippines are strategic partners. We are always ready to support initiatives that contribute to climate-resilient agriculture,” she affirmed.

Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr. described the project as a product of vision and a deep commitment to uplifting the agricultural sector. “This facility embodies our determination to harness science for the benefit of our farmers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Representative Adolf Edward Plaza, a staunch advocate of the National Soil Health Strategy, emphasized the urgent need that led to the facility’s creation. “This project was born out of necessity. Together, let us make science a premier development tool for agriculture,” he declared.

The launch of the PRDIO marks a major milestone not only for Agusan del Sur but also for the entire Caraga Region, positioning the province at the forefront of modernized, data-driven agriculture in the Philippines.

This groundbreaking initiative by the Provincial Local Government Unit of Agusan del Sur is also a concrete step toward realizing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a modern and resilient Philippine agriculture sector—anchored on innovation, technology, and science-based solutions that empower farmers and ensure food security for all. (Aurelius P. Arais, Public Relations Officer II and Rhea C. Abao, Information Officer II/ DA-Caraga RAFIS)