PIA-13 hosts Post-SONA Forum
in Surigao Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY – More than 400
farmers and fisherfolk in the province of Surigao del Norte participated in the
Information Caravan cum Post- State of the Nation Address (SONA) Forum 2024 in
Surigao City on November 28.
The activity served as one
of the administration’s information campaigns, underscoring President Ferdinand
R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to advancing the agriculture and fisheries sectors
particularly in Mindanao.
Deputy Director-General for
Regional Operations Adolfo Ares Gutierrez of the Philippine Information Agency
(PIA) together with the Department of Agriculture spearheaded the event with
the theme, “Masaganang Agrikultura Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
“Surigao City is among
the places identified by Pres. Marcos Jr. to host the Post-SONA Forum,
reflecting the administration’s focus on empowering grassroots communities,”
Gutierrez said.
During the event, he also
underscored the President’s prioritization on agriculture, including fisheries,
as outlined in his recent SONA. “President Marcos Jr. envisions a strong
agriculture and fisheries sector to uplift the lives of Filipinos, especially
in Mindanao. The Department of Agriculture (DA) is committed to realizing this
vision through its various programs,” he added.
In the Caraga region, PIA
has been working closely with other government agencies to ensure that farmers,
fisherfolk, and stakeholders are informed about the latest initiatives in the
agri-aqua industries. “Our role is to provide timely, accurate, and relevant
information, ensuring that government programs and services reach the
grassroots level, empowering communities toward a prosperous Philippines,”
Gutierrez emphasized.
The forum saw the active
participation of over 400 farmers and fisherfolk, as well as key officials and
representatives from government agencies. Florenillo Ravelo, president of the
Liga ng mga Barangay and chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture in Surigao
City, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of the event.
“Agriculture and fisheries
are vital to shaping the country’s economy and improving the lives of
Filipinos. This information caravan is an avenue for exchanging ideas and
gaining valuable knowledge,” Ravelo said.
Ruby Ann S. Lagahit, Surigao
del Norte’s provincial agriculturist, expressed appreciation for the turnout
and collaborative efforts among agencies saying, “This forum is a significant
opportunity for our farmers and fisherfolk to learn about the programs, grants,
and best practices that can help enhance their livelihoods.”
The event also featured
booths from various government agencies, where participants received
information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on agricultural
programs and services. The booth from the PIA Caraga was particularly popular
among attendees. Participants had the opportunity to interact, learn, and avail
of the IEC materials provided at the agency’s booth. The IEC distribution
further emphasized the agency’s commitment to disseminating critical
information at the grassroots level.
Also, the forum highlighted
the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) programs aligned with President Marcos
Jr.’s vision, focusing on sustainable development in the agri-aqua sector. The
event further demonstrated PIA’s commitment to empowering grassroots
communities, supporting the administration’s goal of a prosperous and
progressive Philippines.
Joy Borja, 57 year old
farmer from Barangay Trinidad, Surigao City was grateful for the support of
the farmers like him. Borja received free seeds, fertilizers and other farm
inputs from the government making his farming finances affordable. “The
government really looked at the plight of farmers, we were able to raise our
income, I could send my child to college and is now graduating from his
Criminology course,” he said.
Borja expressed glee in his
participation in the caravan as he gained new knowledge in farming that will
help him maintain his half hectare farm land.
The 2024 Information Caravan cum Post-SONA Forum in Surigao City highlighted the administration’s dedication to agriculture and fisheries development, setting the stage for a more empowered and informed community of farmers and fisherfolk in the province of Surigao del Norte. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)
