A major stride toward improving agriculture and connectivity in Eastern Samar is underway as Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan “Dayan” Agda announced that the Philippine Airlines (PAL) added a third weekly flight to and from the city.
Mayor Agda sees this development as a crucial factor in supporting the city’s agricultural efforts, particularly its flagship program, Dukwag Agrikultura, which aims to uplift local farmers and promote agri-entrepreneurship among the youth.
The mayor said the added flight will allow a faster and more efficient transportation of agricultural products from Borongan to larger markets.
“We can now move our agricultural products more swiftly,” Agda said.
The PAL management’s decision to increase flight frequency comes after seeing a rise in passengers traveling to and from Borongan since the flight inception in December 2022.
Boosting agriculture through connectivity
Agriculture plays a vital role in Borongan’s economy, and the enhanced flight schedule is expected to contribute to the city’s agricultural development.
The city’s Dukwag Agrikultura program, which offers interest-free and collateral-free loans to farmers like Jeffrey Badanoy, has gained momentum.
Badanoy, a beneficiary, noted that the added flights could help farmers like him reach wider markets, potentially increasing the demand for local products like his ampalaya.
“The ridership of flights is increasing, and with that, the potential for agricultural growth is tremendous,” Agda said in an a press conference with the local media.
Agricultural school in Borongan
In a related move, Borongan is also set to open a specialized agricultural school as part of the Dukwag Agrikultura program.
The school will provide senior high school students with agricultural education, bridging the gap between traditional farming and modern techniques.
The initiative is a collaborative effort with the Department of Education (DepEd), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), with each agency playing a vital role.
ESSU will ensure graduates can seamlessly transition into college-level agricultural courses, while TESDA will align the programs to offer certifications, preparing students for a variety of agricultural careers.
Edgar Tenesas, schools division superintendent of Borongan City, said the school will serve as a model for agricultural education.
“This school will be the first in the region to address the specific agricultural needs of our locality, including adapting to climate change,” Tenasas added.
Ensuring sustainability
Mayor Agda emphasized the importance of partnerships and sustainability in the city’s initiatives, including the new flights and the agricultural school.
“We have learned that the key to sustainability is not just having bigger infrastructure but maintaining consistent and manageable operations,” Agda added.
The city has committed to providing free shuttle services for passengers traveling to and from Borongan City Airport, a service that will continue as the number of flights increases.
The city also plans to introduce a local ordinance that will support and fund one scholar per barangay, ensuring that every community has a student benefiting from the new agricultural school.
This initiative will not only ensure a steady stream of students but also promote the long-term growth of agriculture in the region.
Looking ahead
With the additional flight and the establishment of an agricultural school, Borongan City is poised for a significant boost in both agriculture and economic activity.
Mayor Agda expressed gratitude to stakeholders and underscored that the efforts made by the city government, in collaboration with private and national agencies, are already showing results.
“The success of these programs will not only benefit Borongan but also the surrounding municipalities in Eastern Samar. We are optimistic that this will be a model for rural development in the Philippines,” Agda added.
As Borongan positions itself as a key player in regional development, the city’s growing connectivity through PAL’s expanded services signals a promising future for the residents and farmers of Eastern Samar. (VTG, PIA Eastern Samar)
