The Department of Agriculture – Caraga, through its Organic Agriculture Program, officially turned over a two-story Organic Agriculture (OA) Hub Building worth ₱3.1 million to the Sibagat Organic Farmers Association (SOFA) on January 31 in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sibagat is the first recipient of the Organic Agriculture Livelihood Project (OALP) under the National Organic Agriculture Program in the region. As part of this initiative, the project also includes a hauling truck worth ₱1.3 million, which was initially turned over last year.

As the first organic hub in Caraga, SOFA envisions becoming a major food basket for organic farming, not only within the municipality but across the entire region.

SOFA Chairperson Allan P. Perez emphasized their commitment to consolidating organic products and strengthening market linkages, especially as they oversee 12 small Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs).

Municipal Vice Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista reaffirmed the LGU’s commitment to supporting the SOFA, highlighting the institutionalization of organic farming in the municipality.

“We are strengthening awareness of the benefits and positive impacts of sustainable organic farming. That is why we continuously invite experts, advocates, and practitioners—because we need more of them. Many are already engaged in organic farming, and we aim to support their growth,” Evangelista said.

Meanwhile, DA-Caraga Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega commended LGU Sibagat for its proactive efforts in advancing organic farming.

“LGU Sibagat has proven that they can serve as a model for other local government units not just in the region but across the country. The Department of Agriculture will extend its utmost support to their initiatives for the greater good of organic farming,” Atega stated.

The Organic Hub serves as a direct market avenue for small farmers, enabling them to sell their produce at higher prices, as the LGU and SOFA purchase their products directly.

Municipal Agriculturist Nerissa O. Nerio also emphasized the LGU’s role in assisting farmers with marketing and establishing market linkages.

“The LGU can help farmers in terms of marketing and connecting them to buyers. If their products are not sold within the municipality, we will link them to other municipalities and areas that need their produce,” Nerio explained. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso, IO-I, RAFIS)