Agusan del Sur Governor Urges Youth to Take Up Agriculture

By: Chris Panganiban – 5 minutes ago

Agusan Del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of the province of Agusan del Sur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan Del Sur — Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. has called on the youth in his province to take up agriculture, not only as an opportunity for a bright future but also to develop the agricultural sector in landlocked Agusan del Sur.

“I encourage our youth to take up agricultural courses,” Cane said during his fifth State of the Province (Sopa) address at the Datu Lipus Makapandong DO Plaza Sports Complex on July 19.

“This is not only an opportunity for your future, but also for the development of the agricultural sector in our province through science, technology and innovation,” he added.

Cane, who helped set up the state-of-the-art soil laboratory to modernize agriculture in the province, urged young farmers to adopt the latest available technologies to modernize agriculture and boost the province’s economic growth in the years to come.

Although Agusan del Sur has significant potential in agriculture, relying solely on traditional farming methods is not enough, the governor said.

“Modernising local agricultural practices is essential to fully exploit this potential,” he added.

One of the spearheads of the provincial government to modernize agriculture is the ultramodern soil laboratory. This project was carried out in collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

Currently, the soil laboratory is 75 percent complete in the first phase and is expected to be fully operational in 2025.

Cane also stressed the importance of soil testing to increase farmer productivity, reduce farmer costs and increase farmer income.

Despite the cost, these tests will determine the presence or absence of 16 essential microelements in the soil, the governor said.

These microelements are essential for achieving higher yields at lower costs, making agricultural production more profitable and ensuring the long-term health of the province’s soil.

“To meet the demands of the times, we must adapt our agricultural system to the latest technologies and innovations,” Cane said.

The Governor also established the Sustainable Provincial Agro-Industry Resource Center (SPARC) in Mabuhay Village in Bayugan City to modernize agriculture and increase agricultural productivity in the province.

“This SPARC facility will serve as an innovation hub, benefiting farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises, consumers, tourists and local industries,” he said.

In addition to these initiatives, the provincial government has implemented a scholarship program for a Master’s Degree in Soil Science and Crop Protection through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 730.

Currently, five scholars are expected to complete their studies in 2026. The provincial government continues to accept applications for these scholarships each year.

“This is an important step in strengthening and expanding our knowledge of soil health development so our farmers can increase production at a lower cost,” Cane said.

The governor also cited the initiatives of the province’s two congressional districts to secure a total of P2.6 billion for the renovation of the Daang Maharlika National Highway. The 150-kilometer stretch from Trento City in the south to Sibagat Town in the north had been criticized for its potholes and cracks.