Organic Agriculture Program - Caraga DA RFO XIII

Engineering Sustainable Irrigation for Caraga's Pioneer Organic Farming Community

As part of its continuing commitment to strengthen organic agriculture through science-based planning and sustainable infrastructure development, the Department of Agriculture – Organic Agriculture Program (DA-OAP), in coordination with the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), conducted a Georesistivity Survey and Topographic Survey from June 23–25, 2026, for the proposed Solar Power Irrigation System (SPIS) of the San Isidro Parish Binucayan Area Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIPBAFAMCO) in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

SIPBAFAMCO holds a significant milestone in the Caraga Region as the first Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-Certified farmer group and the first accredited PGS Organic Certifying Body (PGS-OCB) in the region. As a pioneer in promoting certified organic farming, the cooperative continues to champion sustainable agricultural practices while serving as a model for other farming organizations in Caraga.

The activity forms part of the preparatory engineering works for the proposed Solar Power Irrigation System targeted for implementation in Calendar Year 2028. The georesistivity survey was conducted to determine the availability and depth of groundwater resources, while the topographic survey documented the site's terrain and elevation, providing essential data for engineering design, technical analysis, and project planning.

The information gathered through these surveys will support sound engineering decisions and ensure that the proposed irrigation system is technically feasible, efficient, and responsive to the actual needs of the cooperative. By integrating scientific field investigations into project preparation, the Department aims to maximize the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the investment.

The proposed Solar Power Irrigation System is expected to provide a reliable and climate-resilient source of irrigation for SIPBAFAMCO's organic rice production areas. The project will help improve water availability during critical cropping periods, enhance farm productivity, reduce production costs through the use of renewable energy, and contribute to increased yields and improved livelihoods for the cooperative's organic rice farmers.

Through initiatives like this, the Department of Agriculture continues to empower farmer organizations by combining sustainable agricultural practices with appropriate engineering interventions—advancing resilient farming communities, strengthening food security, and promoting the continued growth of the organic agriculture sector in the Caraga Region.

Strengthening Organic Certification Through Participatory Assessment and Continuous Compliance 🌱

From June 15–19, 2026, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted a Surveillance Audit of the Sibagat Organic Farmers Association (SOFA) to verify its continued compliance with DA Department Circular No. 02, Series of 2022, which provides the guidelines for the operation of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Groups as Organic Certifying Bodies (OCBs).

The assessment consisted of an office-based audit and a witness audit aimed at evaluating SOFA's implementation of its organic certification scheme, particularly its peer review and certification processes. The activity was led by Mr. Jerico V. Sandagon and Mr. Von Hardy P. Tababa of DA-BAFS.

As part of the witness audit, the assessment team observed the conduct of SOFA's peer review activities on two organic farms, namely HarRon Verde Farm in Tag-oyango, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur and HA³SE Integrated Farm in Kauswagan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. The on-site assessment provided an opportunity for DA-BAFS to evaluate the effectiveness, transparency, and integrity of SOFA's certification procedures and ensure that the requirements of the Participatory Guarantee System are properly implemented.

Joining the activity as observers were representatives from the Department of Agriculture – Organic Agriculture Program (DA-OAP), the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office–Agricultural Development Services (APCO-ADS), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), demonstrating inter-agency support in strengthening organic certification systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The surveillance audit highlights the importance of maintaining credible farmer-led certification mechanisms that uphold organic standards, enhance consumer confidence, and support the growth of the organic agriculture sector. Through collaborative efforts among government agencies, certifying bodies, and organic farmers, the integrity and sustainability of organic food production continue to be strengthened.

𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻-𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟱𝗞𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 (𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘀) 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁, 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XIII, through the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP), successfully conducted the Launching and Turn-Over Ceremony of farm tools under the 5Ks Project (Kababaihan at Kabataan para sa Kalusugan, Kalikasan, at Kabuhayan) for eight (8) women farmer organizations in the Municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The activity highlighted the government's continuing commitment to empowering women in agriculture through the provision of farm tools and equipment designed to support vegetable gardening, improve farm productivity, and promote sustainable food production .

The beneficiary organizations received essential farm tools and materials including dull bolos, sharp bolos, pick mattocks, garden hoses, water sprinklers, shovels, rakes, plastic drums, knapsack sprayers, garden hand pump sprayers, farm nets, garden gloves, farm hats, twine, raincoats, rubber boots, plastic crates, and seedling trays. These inputs will assist women farmers in establishing and maintaining productive vegetable gardens while promoting safe and efficient farming practices.

The ceremony was graced by Vice Mayor Maria Liza Lamanilao Evangelista of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, representatives from the Local Government Unit of Sibagat, DSWD Representatives, Officers and members of the beneficiary organizations, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, including Ms. Jhanica T. Curambao, Technical Staff of the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP).

Meet “Black Soldier Vanessa”... this is Black Soldier Fly (BSF)!
BSF is one of the most efficient processors of organic waste in nature. Its larvae is high in protein and a healthy feed for pet chickens, ducks, and fish.
In addition, BSF helps reduce waste and lower carbon emissions. Because of this, food production becomes more sustainable, more natural, and more economical.
From waste to profit, BSF demonstrates that in nature, nothing goes to waste when its resources are used properly and responsibly.

Kilalanin si “Black Soldier Vanessa”… este, Black Soldier Fly (BSF)!

Ang BSF ay isa sa mga pinakamabisang tagapagproseso ng organikong basura sa kalikasan. Ang Larvae nito ay mataas sa protina at masustansiyang pakain para sa mga alagang manok, itik, at isda.

Bukod dito, nakatutulong ang BSF sa pagbabawas ng basura at pagpapababa ng carbon emissions. Dahil dito, nagiging mas sustenable, mas makakalikasan, at mas matipid ang produksyon ng pagkain.

Mula sa basura tungo sa pakinabang, ipinapakita ng BSF na sa kalikasan, walang nasasayang kapag ang mga yaman nito ay nagagamit nang wasto at responsable.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀.

The Local Government Unit of Barobo, through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Barobo, successfully initiated and conducted the “Capacity Enhancement on the Operation and Maintenance of Composting Facility for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW)” on May 13–14, 2026 at Dolene Farm, Brgy. San Jose, Barobo, Surigao del Sur. The activity was organized as part of the municipality’s continuing efforts to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices and improve the technical capabilities of local farmers and agricultural stakeholders on compost production and organic waste management. To further enrich the technical discussions, resource speakers from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) were invited to share their expertise and provide specialized lectures during the activity.

The two-day capability enhancement activity gathered farmers and agricultural workers to strengthen their technical knowledge and operational skills on compost production, composting facility management, soil health improvement, and sustainable organic agriculture practices. The activity highlighted the importance of proper biodegradable waste utilization and the adoption of science-based agricultural technologies toward improving farm productivity and environmental sustainability.

The technical sessions covered several key topics related to the operation and maintenance of Composting Facility for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW). Engr. Queene D. Hechanova discussed the Components of CFBW and the Compost Production Process, providing participants with technical knowledge on proper composting operations and management practices. Meanwhile, Mr. Efraim D. Pangadapun discussed the Rationale and Objectives of the Training as well as Monitoring and Record Keeping, emphasizing the importance of proper documentation, operational monitoring, and effective implementation of composting activities. Engr. Leo Mark S. Laid also served as one of the invited resource speakers and discussed the Types of Concoctions and their Processes, highlighting the preparation and application of organic agricultural inputs for sustainable crop production.

Additional technical discussions included the lecture of Engr. Renante R. Abado of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (DA-RAED) on the Safety Operations of Biomass Shredder and Composting Machine, emphasizing proper equipment handling, operational procedures, and safety protocols during composting operations. The activity also included discussions and actual demonstration on the proper use of Soil Test Kit (STK) facilitated by Carol Dawn Itaas, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in soil testing procedures and interpretation of soil nutrient status. This was followed by lectures on Soil Analysis and the Mobile Application on Fertilizer Recommendation discussed by Janiscesa Dramayo. Participants likewise underwent hands-on demonstration activities on CFBW operations and soil assessment procedures to further strengthen their practical knowledge and technical competencies.

The activity concluded with the closing remarks of Mr. Johnny V. Ramos, Municipal Agriculturist of Barobo, who emphasized the importance of moving forward toward sustainable agriculture through the continuous empowerment of local farmers, enhancement of technical capabilities, and promotion of resilient, productive, and environmentally sound farming technologies. The activity further reaffirmed the commitment of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Barobo in strengthening agricultural development initiatives and supporting sustainable farming communities within the municipality.