RAPID Growth Project - Agusan del Sur

𝑴𝒂𝒋𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒓: 𝟔 𝑴𝑺𝑴𝑬𝒔 𝑨𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝑭𝑫𝑨 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆! 🏆

A series of FDA Certificates of Product Registration (CPR) were successfully awarded to six of our hardworking MSMEs under the RAPID Growth Project in Agusan del Sur!

This is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a "golden ticket" to wider market expansion, enhanced product credibility, and consumer trust. By meeting these rigorous standards, these local enterprises are now ready to take on bigger shelves and even bigger opportunities. 🚀

Huge congratulations to our newly certified MSMEs:
• 🍫 De Claudia Food Processing – Cacao Tableya Products
• 🍹 Sta. Josefa Unified Calamansi Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative – Calamansi Juice Concentrate
• 🥤 Canencia Calamansi Juice Processing – Calamansi Juice RTD
• 🍹 Te Carling Food Products – Calamansi Juice Concentrate & RTD
• 🥤 Khans Food Products – Calamansi Juice Concentrate & RTD
• 🍫 Magkiangkang MPC – Cacao Tableya Products

Each CPR granted is a step toward stronger enterprises and a more competitive local economy. Agusan del Sur is moving forward—one compliant, empowered MSME at a time. 👣📈

𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃-𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐀𝐏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 – In an effort to enhance the technical capacity of coconut farmers, cooperatives from Agusan del Sur participated in the Capacity-Building Training of Service Crews on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Field Operations for Coconut Farmers conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its RAPID Growth Project Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU), on March 24–26, 2026 at Grand Palace Hotel, Butuan City.

Three (3) coconut farmers cooperatives represented the province, namely: Bayugan City Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (BACCOFAC), Citywide Diversified Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (CDCFAC), and Wasian Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (WCFAC).

On the first day, participants were introduced to the coconut industry situationer, including global and national production trends, as well as the fundamentals of coconut physiology and morphology. Discussions also covered nursery establishment and management, focusing on site selection, seednut selection, and proper maintenance practices essential for quality planting materials.

The second day featured sessions on coconut pests and diseases management, equipping participants with knowledge on prevention and control strategies. Farmers were also introduced to farm diversification approaches such as intercropping and livestock integration, alongside discussions on harvesting and postharvest operations to ensure quality production and proper handling of coconut products.

To culminate the training, participants engaged in a field demonstration at Jagupit Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (JCFAC) in Santiago, Agusan del Norte, where they applied their learnings through hands-on activities such as pest and disease identification, seednut selection, nursery establishment, field layouting, planting, fertilization, and harvesting. The practicum reinforced the application of Good Agricultural Practices in actual farm settings and strengthened participants’ confidence in implementing improved farm operations.

Mr. Lem L. Quimno, Mr. Cristian O. Omila, and Ms. Ellen E. Arbiol from Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) served as resource persons during the activity, providing technical guidance and sharing their expertise across the different modules.

Through their participation in the training, Agusan del Sur cooperatives are expected to enhance their operational efficiency and adopt sustainable coconut farming practices. Under the hub-and-spoke model being implemented through the RAPID Growth Project, each cooperative serves as a hub supported by trained farm service crews who carry out essential farm operations and technical services for member-farmers. By strengthening the capabilities of these service crews, the Department of Trade and Industry continues to promote efficient service delivery, improve farm productivity, and reinforce the competitiveness of the coconut industry in Agusan del Sur.






RAPID Growth Project - Caraga
DTI Caraga
Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur

𝐀𝐓𝐌| 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — March 12, 2026 — As the vibrant Araw ng Dabaw celebrations commence, the RAPID Growth Project- Agusan del Sur officially opens its showcase of Agusan del Sur’s local products today at the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒐 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒐 (𝑴𝑻𝑬) 𝒂𝒕 𝑨𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒛𝒂 𝑨𝒚𝒂𝒍𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒍, 𝑩𝒂𝒋𝒂𝒅𝒂, 𝑫𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒐 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚.

Running from March 11 to 14, the expo serves as a strategic launchpad for four assisted MSMEs from Agusan del Sur to present their high-quality goods to Davao’s thriving market. The RAPID Growth Project continues its mission to bridge the gap between rural producers and urban consumers, fostering sustainable economic linkages.

The following enterprises are now open to serve shoppers, distributors, and institutional buyers: 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒅 𝑨𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒓, 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 (𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒅); 𝑲𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒔 (𝑻𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐); 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒐 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 (𝑩𝒂𝒚𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒚); 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒔 𝑩𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒉 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 (𝑬𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒛𝒂).

By participating in this premier Mindanao event, these MSMEs are taking a bold step in expanding their reach and demonstrating the resilience and quality of the Caraga region’s agro-enterprises.

The public is encouraged to visit the expo at Abreeza Ayala Mall through March 11-14 to discover unique products, support local livelihoods, and celebrate the regional spirit of the Araw ng Dabaw.

Ipapadsi Agusan del Sur
Cacao Prince PH
Khans Food Products
RAPID Growth Project - Caraga
Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur
PIA - Agusan del Sur
DTI Caraga
PIA Caraga Region
PTV Agusan del Sur

𝐃𝐓𝐈 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐆𝐀𝐏 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐅𝐀 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬

Members of the Hillstribe Economic Development Farmers Association (HEDFA) enhanced their skills in coffee production during a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training on Coffee Farm Establishment conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry – Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) through its RAPID Growth Project Provincial Coordinating Unit (PCU) on March 5–6, 2026 in Brgy. San Juan, Bayugan City.

The training aimed to equip coffee farmers with essential technical knowledge to establish productive and sustainable coffee farms while contributing to the province’s growing coffee industry.

A total of 28 HEDFA members participated in the activity, which covered key topics on coffee farm establishment such as introduction to coffee farming, site selection, land preparation, sourcing of quality seedlings, proper planting techniques, fertilization, and early crop management. These discussions were complemented by practical demonstrations that allowed participants to better understand the application of Good Agricultural Practices in coffee farming.
The technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Khierwen G. Francis, an accredited trainer for Coffee Production, who guided farmers on proper farm planning, site suitability assessment, planting standards, nutrient management, and early crop care—key practices necessary to ensure healthy coffee plants and sustainable production.

Experts from Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office (PRDIO) also discussed soil sampling and analysis, emphasizing the importance of soil testing in determining appropriate fertilizer requirements and improving farm productivity. Complementing this discussion, representatives from the Provincial Information Management Office (PIMO) introduced the Biogeochemistry Laboratory Information System (BLIMS), a digital platform that supports accurate soil analysis and efficient management of agricultural data.

On the second day, participants visited a coffee farm where they engaged in hands-on activities, including proper planting techniques for coffee seedlings, as well as pruning and rehabilitation techniques for existing coffee trees. PRDIO personnel also demonstrated the proper extraction of soil samples for laboratory testing. As part of the ongoing efforts to support farm planning and monitoring, drone mapping was also conducted by PRDIO to identify land boundaries of participating farmers’ areas in preparation for future soil sampling activities.

The activity was graced by the presence of Mr. Alessandro Lozada-Plaza, representing the Congressional Office, and Dr. Trishah Fe R. Goloran, EnP, Department Head of PRDIO, underscoring the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur’s strong support for initiatives that strengthen the local coffee industry.

Representatives from the City Agriculture Office of Bayugan, Mr. Dan Heinrich Espera and Mr. Rey Frias, also attended, highlighting the collaborative efforts of national and local government offices in advancing coffee production in the city.

Through the RAPID Growth Project, DTI continues to strengthen local value chains by improving farmers’ capacities, enhancing productivity and quality, and expanding market opportunities to increase the income of smallholder farmers.






RAPID Growth Project - Caraga
Khierwen Francis
Berachah
Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office - Agusan del Sur
PTV Agusan del Sur
PIA - Agusan del Sur
DTI Caraga
Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur
Provincial Planning and Development Office of Agusan del Sur

🌱🍫 From Seedlings to Stronger Farms: DTI RAPID Growth Project Fuels the Future of Cacao in Agusan del Sur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – March 6, 2026 — The journey from planting a cacao seedling to harvesting quality cacao beans requires dedication, care, and the right support. Recognizing this, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, continues to strengthen the cacao industry in Agusan del Sur by empowering farmers with essential agricultural inputs.

From February 25 to 27, 2026, the RAPID Growth Project successfully facilitated the distribution of 180 sacks of basal fertilizer to eight farmers' organizations across the province. This intervention supports the establishment and maintenance of new cacao farms, forming part of the Matching Grant Program under the Cacao Detailed Investment Plan (DIP) aimed at increasing productivity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the local cacao sector.

This initiative builds on the project's earlier intervention in 2025, when participating farmers' organizations provided cacao seedlings as planting materials. With the delivery of basal fertilizers, farmers are now equipped with the necessary nutrients to nurture the young cacao plants and ensure healthy farm development.

By synchronizing the provision of seedlings and fertilizers, the RAPID Growth Project creates a complete support system —guiding farmers from planting to sustainable production, while strengthening cacao value chains in rural communities.

The fertilizer distribution was facilitated by Mr. Jefer M. Cabasag, Field Validator of the Provincial Coordinating Unit (PCU) – Agusan del Sur. Upholding the project's commitment to community empowerment, accountability, and transparency, the procurement process was directly managed by the farmers' organizations, ensuring proper documentation and strict due diligence.

🌿 Beneficiary Farmers' Organizations
• Mikit Manobo Farmers Association – San Martin, Prosperidad (48 sacks)
• Brgy. Awao USAD Enrollee Association – Awao, Sta. Josefa (38 sacks)
• Tagabase Cacao Grower Association – Tagabase, Esperanza (21 sacks)
• Marfil USAD Farmers Association – Marfil, Rosario (21 sacks)
• Consuelo Upland Integrated Farmers Association – Consuelo, Bunawan (18 sacks)
• San Lorenzo Integrated Farmers Association – San Lorenzo, Prosperidad (13 sacks)
• Muritula Farmers Cooperative – Muritula, San Luis (11 sacks)
• USAD Beneficiary of Barangay Mabuhay – Mabuhay, Prosperidad (10 sacks)

For the farmers, the impact of the program goes beyond inputs—it represents hope, growth, and a more secure future for their livelihoods.

One of the beneficiaries, Ester Caranagan, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the continued support from the project. "Mapasalamaton kami sa gihatag sa DTI RAPID Growth Project na fertilizer ug padayon na paghatag sa amua ug makanunayong support hilabi na sa mga cacao farmers," Caranagan shared. (“We are grateful for the fertilizer provided by the DTI RAPID Growth Project and for the continuous support given to us, especially to the cacao farmers.”)

Through sustained interventions and strategic investments, the DTI RAPID Growth Project remains committed to uplifting rural communities and strengthening the cacao industry of Agusan del Sur—one farm, one organization, and one harvest at a time.

🌱 Together, we are cultivating a more resilient, productive, and sustainable future for our cacao farmers.







PTV Agusan del Sur Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur PIA - Agusan del Sur PIA Caraga Region DTI Caraga DTI RAPID Growth Project RAPID Growth Project - Caraga

𝐃𝐓𝐈 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐅𝐀 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐆𝐀𝐏 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Department of Trade and Industry – Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS), through its RAPID Growth Project Provincial Coordinating Unit (PCU), successfully conducted a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training on Coffee Farm Establishment on March 3-4, 2026, in Sitio San Jose, Maasin, Esperanza. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of local coffee farmers and support the development of a sustainable and competitive coffee industry in the province.

Fifteen members of the San Jose Maasin Coffee Farmers Association (SAMACOFA) participated in the training, gaining practical knowledge on key aspects of coffee farm establishment, including site selection, land preparation, sourcing quality seedlings, proper planting techniques, fertilization, and early crop management. Participants also engaged in hands-on field demonstrations, applying GAP principles through seedling planting, fertilizer application, pruning, and soil sample collection.

The activity highlighted strong local support for the coffee sector, with Mr. Alessandro Lozada Plaza , representing the Congressional Office, and Dr. Trishah Fe R. Goloran, EnP , Department Head of the Provincial Research, Development and Innovation Office (PRDIO), joining the training to reaffirm the Provincial Government's commitment to coffee industry development.

The technical sessions were led by Mr. Khierwen G. Francis , an accredited trainer for Coffee Production, who guided farmers through proper farm planning, site suitability assessment, planting standards, nutrient management, and early crop care to ensure long-term productivity and sustainability.

Experts from PRDIO also shared insights on soil sampling and analysis , emphasizing the importance of soil testing for effective fertilization and improved yields. Complementing this, the Provincial Information Management Office (PIMO) introduced the Biogeochemistry Laboratory Information System (BLIMS) , a platform designed to enhance soil analysis accuracy and streamline agricultural data management.

Adding value to the learning sessions, Mr. Jacky Palacay of PRDIO , who recently completed the Green Coffee Module training in Vietnam, discussed coffee processing, grading, and quality control. His presentation encouraged farmers to adopt higher quality standards and explore opportunities in specialty coffee markets.

The activity was further supported by representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Esperanza , Mr. Dionifil Carin and Mr. James Tecson , reinforcing collaboration among local agencies in advancing coffee production in the municipality.

Through this collaborative effort among national and local government offices, the training provided farmers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to enhance productivity and adopt sustainable farming practices. Participants expressed enthusiasm and optimism in applying GAP principles to improve their coffee farms and contribute to the growing coffee industry of Agusan del Sur.






RAPID Growth Project - Caraga
Khierwen Francis
Berachah
Provincial Agriculture Office - Agusan del Sur
PTV Agusan del Sur
PIA Caraga Region
DTI Caraga
Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur
PIA - Agusan del Sur
Roland Ignacio
Provincial Planning and Development Office of Agusan del Sur
Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office - Agusan del Sur

𝑫𝑻𝑰 𝑨𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑻𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑫 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕

SAN FRANCISCO, AGUSAN DEL SUR — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Agusan del Sur continued its farm tool distribution activities under the Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth Project through a series of turnover events conducted on February 10, 12, and 18, 2026, benefiting organized coffee farmers in Bayugan City and the municipality of Esperanza.

On February 10, 2026, a total of 87 coffee farmers from the Hillstribe Economic Development Farmers Association (HEDFA) in Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, received essential farm tools. This was followed by a distribution on February 12, 2026, benefiting 35 farmer-members of the San Jose Maasin Coffee Farmers Association (SAMACOFA) in Barangay Maasin, Esperanza. Another turnover activity was conducted on February 18, 2026, during which 26 farmers from the Kalabuan Higaonon Farmers Organization (KAHIFO) in Barangay Kalabuan, Esperanza, were provided similar assistance.

The distributed farm tools included pruning saws, pruning shears, knapsack sprayers, grafting knives, bolos, mini chainsaws, and grasscutters. The assistance is intended to support coffee farm rehabilitation, improve crop maintenance practices, and enhance farm productivity among farmer-beneficiaries.

The February distribution activities form part of the RAPID Growth Project’s continuing rollout of production support interventions. Earlier in January 2026, similar farm tool assistance was also extended to organized calamansi farmers in the province.

DTI Agusan del Sur noted that coffee and calamansi are among the focused commodities under the RAPID Growth Project, with interventions designed to strengthen production capacities and improve the operational efficiency of assisted farmer organizations.

Through sustained support mechanisms, DTI Agusan del Sur remains committed to enhancing agricultural productivity, strengthening farmer groups, and promoting sustainable rural development in Agusan del Sur.

PIA - Agusan del Sur Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur DTI Philippines DTI Caraga RAPID Growth Project - Caraga DXGP 89.7 FM Agusan Radio XFM 91.3 San Francisco - Agusan del Sur 100.1 Nonglading Infinite Radio San Francisco

𝑫𝑻𝑰 𝑨𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒔

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Agusan del Sur is currently conducting the two-day training titled “Mainstreaming Gender Sensitivity for Sustainable and Inclusive Rural Development” on February 19–20, 2026, at Mabes Savory Place, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Implemented under the institutional development component of the DTI-RAPID project, the activity brings together 35 representatives from farmer organizations and 12 RAPID, Negosyo Center, and DTI personnel. The training aims to reinforce gender sensitivity and promote inclusive perspectives within rural and agricultural development initiatives.

The sessions are facilitated by resource persons from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga. Doreen Marielle N. Rosales led the discussions on the first day, while Sheamin Lae C. Dogmoc, Information Officer I of CHR Caraga, is guiding the learning engagements for the second day.

Provincial Director Marson Jan S. Dolendo emphasized the importance of integrating gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in development efforts, highlighting that respectful and safe environments contribute to stronger organizations and more sustainable rural growth.

As the activity proceeds on its second day, participants continue to engage in meaningful discussions that support dignity, mutual respect, and inclusive leadership- key elements in fostering empowered and resilient rural communities.

GAP Training and Farm Tool Support Rolled Out for Calamansi Farmers under RAPID Project.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training on Calamansi Farm Management and Maintenance and distributed small farm tools to organized calamansi farmers in Agusan del Sur on January 29–30, 2026, under the Expanded Calamansi Detailed Investment Plan (DIP) of the RAPID Growth Project.

The activity was held in Barangay Patrocinio, Santa Josefa, attended by 30 farmer-beneficiaries from the Santa Josefa Unified Calamansi Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative, and in Barangay Claro Cortez, Bayugan City, with 31 farmers from Claro Cortez Development Association, 13 from Canayugan Farmers Association, and 12 from Orgway Noli Farmers Association.
The training equipped farmers with practical skills on proper pruning, farm maintenance, crop sanitation, and the correct use of farm tools in accordance with GAP standards. Complementing the training, DTI provided small farm tools, including pruning shears, pruning saws, high pruners, and knapsack sprayers, to participating farmers’ organizations.

The intervention supports calamansi production across a total of 86 hectares covered under the Expanded Calamansi DIP, contributing to improved productivity and sustainable farm management in the province.

ICYMI: 𝐃𝐓𝐈-𝐀𝐃𝐒’ 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur — November 26, 2025 — The Department of Trade and Industry – Agusan del Sur (DTI-ADS), through its RAPID Growth Unit, participated in the 6th Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) Coordination Meeting held at the Ernelitas Function Hall in Patin-ay, Prosperidad. The unit was represented by Ms. Dinah Abapo, Provincial Project Coordinator (PPC) of the RAPID Growth Project, who presented updates on the project’s ongoing interventions supporting farmers and rural enterprises in the province.

During the meeting, Ms. Abapo highlighted the RAPID Growth Project’s continuing value-chain development initiatives, including enterprise enhancement, technical assistance, and sustained coordination with Farmers’ Organizations engaged in cacao, coffee, coconut, and other priority commodities. She emphasized the importance of harmonizing efforts across agencies to ensure sustained project gains and responsive delivery of services to rural communities.

PAFES, a flagship initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA), positions provinces as central hubs for coordinating and delivering agricultural and fisheries extension services. Through this structure, national government agencies, LGUs, the private sector, academe, and civil society organizations collaborate to implement unified and demand-driven support programs for farmers and fisherfolk.

The coordination meeting also served as a venue for national and local partners to discuss ongoing accomplishments, challenges, and areas for future collaboration. With PAVO leading the discussions, agencies reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen Agusan del Sur’s agricultural and fisheries extension system through synchronized program implementation and resource complementation.

RAPID Growth Project - Caraga DTI RAPID Growth Project