BUTUAN CITY- In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen food security and empower farmers and fisherfolk, six farmer cooperatives and local government units (LGUs) in Caraga received financial assistance totaling P26 million under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Kadiwa Program, Agri-Entrepreneurship Capability Enhancement Assistance (AECEA), and the program on Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED).
The intervention aims to boost agri-enterprise development through the acquisition of facilities and equipment, enhanced production, processing, and marketing, and increased capital support for cooperatives and LGUs, consistent with the President’s push to modernize agriculture and reduce post-harvest losses.
Among the beneficiaries are the Southern Agusan Multipurpose Cooperative (SAMPCO) in Trento, Agusan del Sur (P5 million); Mainit Upland Agriculture Cooperative (MUACO) in Mainit, Surigao del Norte (P3 million); Sumilihon-Taguibo Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (SUTAFACO) in Butuan City (P5 million); Bayugan Achievers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAMPCO) (P3.5 million); LGU Mainit (P2.5 million); and Surigao City LGU (P5 million under Kadiwa and P2 million under LEED).
The program also supports the administration’s food sufficiency agenda by preparing beneficiaries to serve as reliable food suppliers for the Palarong Pambansa 2026 in Agusan del Sur, expected to draw around 20,000 athletes, officials, and delegates nationwide.
SUTAFACO General Manager Lydia Aparre said, “The grant will be used to construct a warehouse and storage facilities for fruits and vegetables, ensuring freshness, stable supply, and direct benefits to its 105 cooperative members by improving income security and market access.”
DA Caraga reaffirmed its commitment to implementing President Marcos Jr.’s directive on strengthening farmer-led enterprises and ensuring sustainable agri-business and food production across the region.
