LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato — More agricultural services from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) South Cotabato are set to reach farmers in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu and its neighboring communities following the completion of its satellite office in Sitio Biyawan.
The project, established on a 1.5-hectare parcel of land donated by a local resident is envisioned to bring essential agricultural programs and technical services closer to upland farmers, reducing the challenges brought about by distance and difficult terrain.
According to Dr. Raul D. Teves, Provincial Agriculturist, the satellite office was strategically established to directly address the geographical challenges faced by farmers and residents of Barangay Ned and nearby communities.
“Ang purpose ng Satellite Office sa Sitio Biyawan sa Lake Sebu ay para mas mapalapit ang serbisyo ng OPAg South Cotabato sa mga mamamayan sa Ned at mga kalapit na lugar. Kung may mga kailangan ang mga farmers na agricultural intervention ay hindi na kailangang bumaba pa.” Dr. Teves stated.
The facility already has an existing Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) and warehouse, which can support farmers in post-harvest activities and the proper storage of agricultural commodities. Plans are also underway to establish an on-site nursery that will provide planting materials locally, helping farmers reduce the need to travel long distances to secure seedlings and other planting materials while minimizing transportation-related stress and damage.
The establishment of the satellite office is in line with the administration of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., which continues to strengthen the delivery of provincial government services to communities, particularly those in geographically challenging and far-flung areas.
Once fully operational, OPAg personnel will manage the facility and provide local agricultural requests, technical guidance, technology transfer and various government agricultural interventions. The satellite office is also expected to serve as a strategic extension point for the implementation of OPAg programs in upland communities.
Beyond agricultural production, OPAg will also promote environmental protection and sustainable agriculture through tree planting around the facility, communal gardening, reforestation initiatives, climate change mitigation and adaptation activities and other climate-resilient agricultural programs.
“The satellite office will likewise assist farmers in organizing and strengthening farmers’ associations and cooperatives, enabling them to better access agricultural interventions, livelihood opportunities, technical assistance and support from the Provincial Government and other government agencies.” Teves stressed out.
Through the continued support of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, the completion of the OPAg Satellite Office in Sitio Biyawan represents another step toward bringing government services closer to the people—ensuring that even farmers in remote upland communities have better access to the agricultural assistance they need to improve productivity, strengthen livelihoods and build more resilient communities.
