DA-13 sealed partnership with Caraga State U
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA)—Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen, Caraga State University (CSU) President Rolyn C. Daguil, and CSU - Butuan PGS Organic Farmers Association President Charles D. Ong sealed their partnership on collaborative management of the CSU’s organic eco farm on May 3 at CSU campus in Butuan City.
The Memorandum of Understanding of the DA, CSU, and CSU-Butuan PGS Organic Farmers Association demonstrated their commitment in promoting organic farming methods and ensuring food security for the region.
The CSU’s organic eco farm is a 50-hectare compact farm co-managed by the Butuan PGS Organic Farmers Association, a group of farmers who grow and process colored and traditional rice varieties.
“To contribute and demonstrate that farming is sustainable and a lucrative livelihood, we want to show the younger generation that we can use machinery and a sustainable farming system to lower the cost of rice production,” said Pres. Daguil.
Dir. Mangelen emphasized that collaboration is important to fulfill the Department’s mandate of producing affordable, available, and safe food for all.
“Without the help of key players like farmers’ organizations, state universities, and other stakeholders, it would be impossible. We will keep fortifying our alliance to achieve our common goal of providing food for all,” he said.
On the other hand, another Memorandum of Agreement was signed again by DA Caraga and CSU for the provision of a unit of rice combine harvester and another unit of four-wheel drive tractor amounting to P3.3 million under the DA-Caraga Rice Program.
To show their support and commitment, the event was witnessed by Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega, Field Operations Division Chief Melody Guimary, Regional Organic Agriculture Focal Person Cindy Burdeos-Bangod, Regional Rice Program Coordinator Enosencio Minguez, Engr. Neil Caesar Tado, and Dr. Danilo Gaas. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
