DOST, BFAR join forces to advance modern agriculture in Dinagat Islands
BUTUAN CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office in Dinagat Islands (PSTO-PDI), has strengthened its collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga to promote modern and sustainable agriculture in the province.
The partnership was formalized on March 9 through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the project “Action PDI: Advancing Circular Transformation and Innovation for Modern Agriculture Towards a Progressive Dinagat Islands.”
The initiative aims to introduce science-based solutions and innovative technologies to improve agricultural and aquaculture productivity, enhance food security, and uplift the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk in Dinagat Islands.
Under the agreement, PSTO-PDI and BFAR’s Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO-PDI) will jointly roll out training programs, capacity-building activities, and strategic interventions focused on modern farming and fisheries practices.
DOST Provincial Director Ann O. Tibe emphasized that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering communities through science and technology. She noted that with stronger partnerships and stakeholder support, the project is expected to accelerate innovation, build resilient farming systems, and contribute to the province’s socio-economic growth.
As part of the partnership, BFAR will provide bangus (milkfish) fry, feeds, farm inputs, and technical training to support aquaculture production and strengthen the capabilities of local fisherfolk.
The initiative was further reinforced on March 11 with another MOA signed between DOST Caraga and the local government of Libjo, Dinagat Islands. Mayor Melody L. Compasivo expressed support for the project, highlighting its role in advancing technology-driven agricultural development in the municipality.
In line with these efforts, BFAR Caraga also conducted a three-day training on bangus garungan production from March 17 to 18 in Barangay Llamera, Libjo. The activity equipped members of the Salvador Garungan Fisherfolk Association with technical and financial management skills to sustain their aquaculture projects.
Through the Action PDI initiative, the program seeks to boost local aquaculture, promote self-sufficiency, and address the shortage of bangus fingerlings in the province by building local capacity for sustainable production.
NPO News Team | Philippine Information Agency - PR
