BUTUAN CITY (September 26) – On Tuesday, the government provided PHP10.7 million in support to two farmers’ cooperatives in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, with the goal of increasing agricultural output and improving market access for local producers.
The Western Visayas Agro Industrial Cooperative (WEVAICO) and the Bislig City Organic Agriculture Cooperative (BISCOACO) will benefit from the intervention, which includes machinery, equipment, and livelihood packages, according to the Caraga Region’s Department of Agriculture (DA-13).
Through the DA’s Corn Program, WEVAICO was given agricultural equipment valued at PHP8.71 million, which included a multicommodity thresher, a haulage truck, and a soybean sorter. Nelita Sabangan, the cooperative’s chairperson, stated that the equipment will considerably increase soybean production and allow members to access markets outside of Surigao.
“The machinery and equipment will help us improve our soybean production and reach more markets not only in Surigao del Sur but also in neighboring provinces in the region,” according to Sabangan.
A PHP2 million grant for BISCOACO’s Ready-to-Lay Chicken Module project was given through the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) program. The bundle contains 1,000 chicken heads, animal housing, feed, and veterinary supplies.
BISCOACO chairman Eduardo Paira stated that the effort will not only provide a consistent supply of eggs in Bislig City and surrounding communities, but will also give members with new earning prospects.
“This project will also help our members as we plan to bring our egg products to the different markets in the city,” Paira stated.
The activities, according to the DA-13, are part of a larger campaign to empower rural people and promote sustainable agriculture in Surigao del Sur.
