Ate Beth Bagonoc

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐒𝐚𝐧: 𝐂𝐃𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠; 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐜 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Charting the developmental roadmap for a more progressive and secure city, the City Development Council (CDC) successfully convened its 1st Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Held from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM at the Pandan B Hall of the Greenleaf Hotel, the high-level assembly brought together local officials, department heads, and stakeholders to deliberate on critical socioeconomic and infrastructural agendas for General Santos.

The meeting focused heavily on fiscal programming, future partnerships, and pressing localized issues, echoing the shared vision of achieving a truly inclusive "Magandang Gensan."

Key Agenda and Policy Adoptions

The council tackled a dense list of administrative and development priorities designed to optimize city resources and streamline public services. The core agendas discussed and acted upon during the session included:

- Amendment of the 2026 Annual Investment Plan (AIP) via Supplemental Investment Program (SIP) No. 03: Adjustments were evaluated to realign current budgets with the city's immediate operational and community needs.
- Adoption of the 2027 Annual Investment Plan (AIP): Setting the financial and project blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year to ensure long-term continuity in local governance.
- Adoption of the Local Governance Canvass:* Reaffirming standards for local governance metrics and performance indicators.
- Presentation of the List of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects: Highlighting prospective flagship joint ventures aimed at boosting local infrastructure, technology, and economic opportunities without straining public coffers.

Councilor Bagonoc Champions Sectoral Voices, Exposes Syndicated Land Grabbing and illegal squatting

A defining and urgent segment of the meeting came to the fore when Hon. Elizabeth B. Bagonoc took the floor. Known for her vigilant stance on grassroots welfare and public administration, Councilor Bagonoc shifted the spotlight toward an escalating crisis threatening peace and order in the city: the alarming rise of syndicated land grabbing and illegal squatting.

Councilor Bagonoc firmly called out the illicit networks and syndicates actively manipulating land titles and exploiting vulnerable areas. She emphasized that these malicious actors are aggressively targeting both private estates and public domains, creating volatile disputes, undermining legitimate property owners, and stalling actual government development projects.
"We cannot talk about seamless city development if the very land our citizens build on is being lawlessly targeted by syndicates," Bagonoc stressed, urging local law enforcement and regulatory bodies to clamp down heavily on these fraudulent activities.

A Push for True Sectoral Representation

To combat these syndicates and ensure equitable urban development, Councilor Bagonoc heavily emphasized the absolute necessity of robust sectoral representation within the council's decision-making frameworks. She argued that without a strong, institutionalized voice representing the urban poor, farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous communities, marginalized sectors remain highly susceptible to exploitation by land grabbers.

By strengthening sectoral seats in local governance, the city can create a more transparent, defensive shield for vulnerable communities, ensuring their ancestral and residential rights are fiercely protected in every future city blueprint.

Moving Forward

The 1st Regular Meeting of the CDC concluded with a clear consensus: while economic expansion through PPPs and AIPs remains paramount, it must be balanced by strict enforcement of the law and proactive defense of land rights.
Through the collaborative vigilance of leaders like Councilor Bagonoc and the collective action of the CDC, General Santos City positions itself not just to grow bigger, but to grow fairer—safeguarding its lands and empowering its people for the years ahead.

𝗔 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿, 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆: 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Lagao Gymnasium transformed into a vibrant hub of gratitude, community, and support on May 26, 2026, as the city hosted the much-anticipated Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Celebration and Wellness Day. Dedicated to the tireless agricultural workers who serve as the backbone of the region's food security and economy, the whole-day event was a resounding success, blending essential service delivery with well-deserved festivities.

The morning kicked off early with arrivals and registration, leading into a formalized opening program. The event brought together key leaders and agency representatives to show their solidarity with the sector. Among the notable officials on the program to deliver their respective addresses and messages to the community were City Councilor Hon. Richard L. Atendido; John B. Pascual, DVM, Regional Executive Director of DA RFO-12; Director Eugene M. Casas, OIC-Regional Director of BFAR-Region 12; and City Mayor Hon. Lorelie G. Pacquiao.

Championing the Sector: The City Agriculturist Office

The seamless ex*****on of this grand celebration—and the sustained on-the-ground support for local farmers and fisherfolk—stands as a testament to the hard work of the City Agriculture Office. Headed by City Agriculturist Ma'am Elsie Villanueva, the office's dedicated efforts were instrumental in bringing the event to life. Her leadership and her team's deep commitment ensured that the day's programs, distributions, and services truly met the immediate needs of the community's food producers.

A Heartfelt Message of Support: Hon. Elizabeth B. Bagonoc

A standout moment of the celebration was the deeply resonant message of support delivered by Hon. Elizabeth B. Bagonoc, City Councilor. While listed in the program to deliver the closing remarks, Councilor Bagonoc’s address evolved into a passionate and detailed declaration of solidarity with the farmers and fisherfolk.

She didn't just offer platitudes; she spoke directly to the everyday realities of the sector, validating the unpredictable challenges they face—from shifting weather patterns affecting crop yields to the rising costs of fishing expeditions.

She emphasized that the city council sees their struggles and is actively working on localized ordinances to protect their livelihoods and ensure fair market access. Her message was clear: the local government’s support extends far beyond a single day of celebration; it is a continuous, institutional pledge to ensure no farmer or fisher is left behind in the city's march toward progress.

The Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Celebration and Wellness Day of 2026 was more than just an event; it was a powerful statement. Through comprehensive support, vital production inputs, and the collaborative efforts of leaders like Hon. Elizabeth Bagonoc, the City Government, and Ma'am Elsie Villanueva's team, the city proved once again that its truest wealth lies in the hands of those who till the soil and cast the nets.

𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲| 𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗕. 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗰 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻 𝗣. 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗮, 𝗙𝗠𝗦, 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵, 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲.

Brother Crispin leaves behind a remarkable legacy in General Santos City as a Marist educator, former President of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, and servant-leader whose works helped shape generations of learners and young people.

Beyond the walls of the academe, his heart for the vulnerable was deeply felt through his work with the Marcellin Foundation, which provided care, formation, shelter, education, and hope for children and youth in need.

His life reminds us that true service is measured not only by the positions we hold, but by the lives we touch, the values we plant, and the hope we leave behind.

Rest in peace, Brother Crispin. Your legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of many Henerals.

𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲| 𝟯𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗼𝗱

With faith at the center of public service, 𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗕. 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗰, 𝗠𝗗𝗠𝗚, 𝗗𝗣𝗔, opened today’s 36th Regular Session with a powerful prayer and thereafter presided over the proceedings in her capacity as Speaker Pro-Tempore.

During the session, Hon. Bagonoc successfully authored and sponsored measures recognizing excellence, strengthening environmental responsibility, supporting the fishing industry, and advancing community empowerment in General Santos City.

Among these were resolutions commending the NDDU Generals for their championship win in the 2026 Philippine Hip-Hop Dance Championship, supporting Project E-Reduce IS RVC for sustainable waste management, endorsing the position paper of SOCCSKSARGEN’s fishing and allied industries, urging barangay-wide beautification and cleanliness programs, supporting the historic participation of MSU College of Law in the Mindanao Law Students’ Convention, and honoring the achievements of the GenSan Toastmasters Club and its outstanding members.

On a more personal note, Hon. Bagonoc also expressed pride and joy over the recognition given to her son, Mr. Mark Jade B. Bagonoc, for graduating with the Highest Grade Point Average Certificate from the Department of Nursing at Angelina College, Lufkin, Texas, USA, through a resolution authored and sponsored by Hon. Elijah Joanne Polistico-Pacquiao.

Indeed, today’s session reflected a meaningful blend of faith, service, recognition, and commitment to the people of General Santos City.

𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗖 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗥, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬

𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐁. 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐜, 𝐌𝐃𝐌𝐆, 𝐃𝐏𝐀, actively participated in today’s committee hearing and meeting held on May 14, 2026, taking part in important discussions centered on education support, public order, and community safety in General Santos City.

During the Committee Hearing on Education held at Kastifun Hall, City Mayor’s Office, Hon. Bagonoc joined the deliberation on the proposed ordinance entitled, “𝘈𝘯 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴’ 𝘋𝘢𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘰𝘯-𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯–𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 ₱5,000.00, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳.”

She also attended the Consultative Meeting on Public Order and Safety at the City Planning and Development Office Conference Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall Building, which tackled the subject of the Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary in the City of General Santos.

Through her active participation, Hon. Bagonoc continues to support measures that recognize the invaluable service of educators and strengthen initiatives that promote peace, order, and safety for every General.

𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗖 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘, 𝗧𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗜𝗟

𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐁. 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐜, 𝐌𝐃𝐌𝐆, 𝐃𝐏𝐀, Chairperson of the Committee on Consumer Welfare, presided over the committee hearing held on May 13, 2026 at the Vice Mayor’s Conference Room.

The hearing discussed the proposed ordinance authored and sponsored by Hon. Atty. Ramon R. Melliza entitled, “𝘈𝘯 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘩𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘶𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘜𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘪𝘭 𝘣𝘺 𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺, 𝘏𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭, 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘜𝘴𝘦 𝘖𝘪𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘍𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘖𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘴.”

The meeting was attended by representatives from malls, hotels, the Consumer Welfare Association, the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs, and the City Health Office, reflecting a multi-sectoral discussion on consumer safety, public health, environmental protection, and responsible business practices.

Through this committee hearing, Hon. Bagonoc reaffirmed the importance of crafting policies that safeguard the health of consumers, protect the environment, and promote accountability among establishments and stakeholders in General Santos City.

𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗕𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗖 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝟯𝟱𝗧𝗛 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗣𝗨𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗞, 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦, 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗡𝗦, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘

𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐁. 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐜, 𝐌𝐃𝐌𝐆, 𝐃𝐏𝐀, in her capacity as Speaker Pro-Tempore, presided over the 35th Regular Session of the 21st Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos City on May 12, 2026.

During the session, Hon. Bagonoc authored and sponsored several significant measures calling for stronger national government intervention and support for the city’s fishing, agricultural, and livelihood sectors. These include resolutions seeking expanded assistance for fisherfolk, support for handline fishers, fuel subsidy and fuel voucher mechanisms, and the development of a comprehensive business continuity plan to help strengthen the economic resilience of General Santos City.

Also approved were measures urging recreational and physical fitness facilities, including pickleball courts, to grant the mandated 20% senior citizen discount pursuant to Republic Act No. 9994, and expressing full support for the nationwide celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month this May 2026, including the conduct of AgriFishSeries 2026 in the city.

Through these legislative actions, Hon. Bagonoc continues to champion responsive governance that listens to the needs of the grassroots — from our fisherfolk and farmers, to our senior citizens, workers, and communities whose livelihoods remain vital to the growth and stability of General Santos City.

𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗸

Today, May11, 2026, in celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, the City Agriculturist Office, in partnership with BFAR XII and other stakeholders, conducted the 𝘼𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 2026: 𝙊𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 at the Farmers’ Training Center.

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗕. 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗰, 𝗠𝗗𝗠𝗚, 𝗗𝗣𝗔, Chairperson of the Committee on Fisheries, Marine Life and Aquatic Resources, welcomed the delegates and emphasized the vital role of farmers and fisherfolk as the backbone of General Santos City’s food security and progress.

The orientation formed part of a series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping farmers, fisherfolk, farm women, and farm youth with basic knowledge, emerging trends, relevant technologies, and current concerns in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Through the discussion on ARC crayfish culture, participants were introduced to sustainable livelihood opportunities that may help strengthen productivity and resilience in the local agri-fishery industry.

Present during the activity were EnP. Elsie S. Villanueva, Acting Department Head of the City Agriculturist Office; Mr. Omar Sabal, Assistant Regional Director of BFAR XII; Ms. Anessa Muñez, Regional Focal for Crayfish Commodity of BFAR XII; and Ma’am Ma. Zillah R. Bagongco, OIC of the Aquatic Wildlife Enforcement Unit.

Mabuhay ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda! 🌾🐟

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