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 urged the youth in his province to take up agriculture not only as an opportunity for a bright future but also to develop the agriculture sector in landlocked Agusan del Sur.
“I encourage our youth to take up agricultural courses,” said Cane during his 5th State of the Province address (Sopa) at the Datu Lipus Makapandong DO Plaza Sports Complex on July 19 here.
“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 soils laboratory to modernize farming in the province, urged young farmers to use the latest available technologies to modernize agriculture and help drive the economic growth of the province in the coming years.
While Agusan del Sur has significant potential in agriculture, it is not enough to rely solely on traditional farming methods, the governor said.
“Modernizing local agricultural practices is essential to fully harness this potential,” he added.
At the forefront of the provincial government’s efforts to modernize farming is the state-of-the-art soils laboratory, a project undertaken in partnership with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
Currently, in its first phase, the soils laboratory is already 75 percent complete and is expected to be fully operational in 2025.
Cane also highlighted the importance of the soil tests to boost farm productivity, reduce farm costs, and increase farmers’ 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 vital for achieving higher yields at lower costs, thereby making farm production more profitable while ensuring the long-term health of the province’s soils.
“To keep up with the demands of the times, we need to tailor-fit 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 help modernize agriculture and boost farm 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.
On top of 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.
There are currently five scholars expected to complete their studies in 2026, and the provincial government continues to accept applications for these grants each year.
“This is a significant step in strengthening and expanding our knowledge of soil health development to help our farmers increase production at lower costs,” 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 rehabilitation of the Daang Maharlika National Highway. The 150-kilometer stretch from Trento town in the south to Sibagat town in the north had been criticized for its potholes and cracks.