Prosperidad: Twenty farmers’ associations in Agusan del Sur province received composting facilities worth PHP19 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday, marking a significant boost for organic agriculture in the Caraga region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agriculture-Caraga (Region 13) announced that the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) distributed the Composting Facility for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW) units at the Naliyagan Grounds in Prosperidad town as part of the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program.

DA-13 Regional Technical Director Rebecca Atega highlighted the program’s triple benefits during the turnover ceremony. “These facilities will help reduce agricultural waste, promote organic farming practices, and contribute to climate change mitigation,” Atega addressed the beneficiaries from Bayugan City and six municipalities.

Each composting facility comprises five essential components: a rotary composter, shredding machine, compost presser, compost brewer, and sieving machine. Farmer-leader Eden Dellosa of Barangay Magkiangkang expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that it would significantly lower production costs through organic fertilizer production. “This government support comes at a crucial time as we transition to sustainable farming,” Dellosa remarked.

To ensure the proper operation of the facilities, the BSWM will conduct training sessions. This initiative is part of the National Organic Agriculture Program’s infrastructure development component. The recipient groups include organic rice and vegetable farmers from Sibagat, Esperanza, San Francisco, Bunawan, Rosario, and Trento municipalities.