Davao Oriental farmers are poised to experience a transformative leap in their farming expertise with the impending establishment of the Davao Oriental Development Centre.
Today, February 19, 2024, marked a significant milestone as the provincial government commenced the groundbreaking ceremony for the P50 million Davao Oriental Development Centre. Situated within the Provincial Agriculture Office Compound in Barangay Matiao, City of Mati, Davao Oriental, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve as a hub of knowledge and innovation, this center aims to enrich farmers’ and agriculture workers’ understanding and application of advanced farming practices.
Dr. Edito Sumile, Head of the Provincial Agriculture Office, emphasized, “Beyond being a mere administrative space, this facility is designed for public utility, serving as a comprehensive training center for farmers and agriculture workers,” noting that this facility promises to be a beacon of progress in the province’s agricultural landscape.
The Davao Oriental Development Centre (DODC) will serve as the hub for Farming Technology Transfer, Farmers Information, Agricultural Extension Services, and the Office of Different Commodity Programs.
Dr. Sumile underscored that the center embodies the provincial government’s unwavering dedication to empowering local farmers with the latest tools, techniques, and knowledge essential for success in modern agriculture. Through an array of training programs, workshops, and access to vital resources, farmers will be equipped to maximize yields, mitigate risks, and promote sustainable practices.
This commitment to agricultural advancement was echoed by Davao Oriental Governor Niño Uy, represented by PGO Consultant Mr. Dashiel Indelible, Sr. During the ceremony, Indelible conveyed the Governor’s steadfast resolve to safeguard the long-term welfare of Davao Oriental’s residents, particularly in ensuring food and agricultural security amidst adversities such as flooding, typhoons, or conflicts.
In addition to its role as a training center, the facility will also serve as accommodation for farmers and agriculture workers during training sessions, addressing the logistical challenges posed by attendees from distant municipalities.
Furthermore, to meet the province’s farm power requirements for land preparation, the provincial government has acquired six units of 90HP 4WD farm tractors, totaling P25 million. These tractors not only aim to promote mechanized farming but also serve as a revenue-generating venture for the province, with farmers or associations paying minimal fees for equipment rental.
As construction progresses and the tractors are poised for deployment, the Davao Oriental Development Centre and the new machinery stand as symbols of agricultural excellence, poised to catalyze growth, prosperity, and resilience throughout the province’s farming community. PIO
