BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Members of the Hinimbangan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative, or HIFAS Coop, in the municipality of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte underwent capacity training on proper land preparation and plant selection suitable to their farms. 

Glen Samson, chairperson of the HIFAS coop, acknowledged the great contribution of training the farmers.

“I am grateful to the provincial government, especially to Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante and Agusan del Norte 2nd District  Rep. Dale B. Corvera, for prioritizing to upgrade the skills of our farmers and for allocating a budget for this kind of intervention,” said Samson.

While the farmer-trainees undergo the required 10-day intensive training, they also receive an allowance of P1,600 each to sustain their daily needs. 

Samson added, "The farmers were guided on proper planting procedures on land preparation, selection of plants suitable to the soil, and land maintenance."

Rep. Corvera allotted P8.5 million in 2023 for this kind of training that kicked off last year  as part of the 26 capability-building measures of the province that could accommodate at least 621 trainees under the local program “Pagbansay sa Paglambo."

The training is facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).

Corvera is positive that the training will help improve their skills and the livelihood of the Agusanon farmers, making them more sustainable and competitive.

“The training includes farm planning for abaca planting, coconut, banana, and vegetable farming, as a support to the Food Security Enhancement Program of the province under the AGUSAN UP!, the 8-point development thrusts and priorities of the province,” Corvera emphasized.

“This will also maintain the 200 hectares of land with 700 vegetable gardens to also answer the vegetable need and demand of the province.,” Corvera added. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)