The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) has handed over two significant project interventions worth a combined PHP3.5 million to beneficiaries in Surigao del Sur.

The Maslog Carrascal Agriculture Cooperative (MCAC) in Carrascal received Thursday a PHP2.1 million Chicken Module project through the DA’s Livestock Economic Enterprise Development program. The comprehensive project includes animal housing, 1,000 heads of ready-to-lay chickens, along with necessary feeds and biologics.

“The project aims to significantly boost egg production in the municipality and improve the income of our local farmers,” the DA-13 said in a press release on Friday.

Ronica Intano, the chairperson of MCAC, expressed strong optimism regarding the project’s positive impacts on the cooperative.

“We are committed to working hard to ensure this project prospers. Aside from guaranteeing a stable supply of eggs in our locality, this initiative will also bring in additional income to our cooperative and its members,” Intano said in an interview.

Similarly, the DA-13 also turned over a hydroponics greenhouse project worth PHP1.4 million to Tandag City. Carried out under the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, this project aims to address the crucial challenge of ensuring the availability and sufficiency of safe and quality food for every Filipino.

“The modernized urban agriculture facility features an automated hydroponics greenhouse which uses advanced technology to manage key aspects of plant growth such as irrigation and fertilization,” the DA-13 said.

The project’s system also utilizes drip irrigation, enabling the recirculation of water through the system, resulting in reduced water waste and more efficient use of this vital resource.

DA-13 Director Arlan Mangelen, along with other agriculture officials in the province, led the turnover ceremonies for both projects. (PNA)