Banga, South Cotabato — The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) of South Cotabato marked another milestone in advancing the province’s agricultural sector with infrastructure projects such as two gymnasiums, the Banana Tissue Culture Building, and newly acquired farm machineries at the Provincial Nursery and Demonstration Farm in Banga.
Dr. Raul Teves, Provincial Agriculturist, said the two newly inaugurated gymnasiums will serve as multi-purpose facilities for OPAg’s major activities, including training programs, farmers’ fora, and agricultural extension initiatives designed to enhance the skills and productivity of local farmers.
“One of the event highlights was the inauguration of the Banana Tissue Culture Building, a modern facility that supports the province’s abaca and banana production and rehabilitation programs,” Teves said.
Utilizing science-based propagation techniques, the building aims to produce disease-free and high-yielding plantlets, contributing to sustainable and improved crop production.
Also featured during the ceremony were modern agricultural machineries and equipment under the farm mechanization and crop production programs.
A 10-wheeler hauling truck (wing van) and a 3-ton forklift is provided through the support of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 12 under the Consolidated Rice Production and Mechanization System (CRPMS) for the Rice Processing Center III (RPC 3).
The new equipment is expected to reduce farmers’ workload, enhance efficiency, and increase productivity and income, Teve stressed.
“These new facilities and machineries represent South Cotabato’s commitment to agricultural innovation and modernization,” he said, adding that these developments are essential in addressing challenges related to climate change, workforce limitations, and the pursuit of sustainable farming practices.
The activity also reflects the leadership and vision of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., as the Provincial Government continues to invest in both infrastructure and farmer empowerment, driving the province toward a more productive, modern, and resilient agriculture sector.
