The Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), has embarked on a continuing effort to strengthen grassroots organizations by conducting a series of trainings on the capacitation and organizational strengthening of Rural-Based Organizations (RBOs). The initiative began in April 2025 and has already reached several municipalities, with more lined up in the coming months.

RBOs play a vital role in mobilizing local participation and advancing rural development, serving as collective voices of farmers, women, youth, and cooperatives. They provide a platform for communities to address shared concerns and pursue common aspirations such as livelihood, food security, and sustainable growth. However, despite their importance, many RBOs face challenges that hinder their effectiveness, including weak organizational structures, limited leadership capacity, and a lack of financial literacy. To respond to these needs, the training program was designed to provide participants with essential knowledge and skills that will help strengthen governance systems, improve resource management, and enhance their overall effectiveness as community organizations.

The training was held in several locations across the province as it was conducted by batch, including Lingig last April 2025, Cantilan on April 24–25, 2025, Tago on August 7–8, 2025, Marihatag on September 25–26, 2025 and Cagwait on September 30–October 1, 2025. Another session is scheduled in Carrascal this October 15–16, 2025, ensuring that more organizations will benefit from the program. Each session gathered participants from diverse groups such as Rural Farmers, P4MP (FAs), Cooperatives, Rural Improvement Clubs, and the Rural Youth 4H. This diversity of participants enriched the discussions and allowed the exchange of different experiences and perspectives, fostering mutual learning.

The objectives of the training focus on building stronger foundations for RBOs. Specifically, the program aims to enhance their capacity to address local needs effectively, mobilize resources, and contribute to inclusive and resilient community development. It also seeks to strengthen governance structures as well as improve risk management practices, and promote operational sustainability. Additionally, participants are provided with fundamental financial knowledge and skills, equipping them to adapt to changing market conditions and evaluate their organization’s financial performance.

Throughout the sessions, participants were guided by OPAg Staff from the Institutional Development Division, who combined lectures, discussions, and practical activities to ensure that the lessons could be directly applied to the realities of rural organizations. By mastering essential aspects such as organizational bylaws, documentation, leadership development, and financial literacy, participants were empowered to better manage their groups and contribute more meaningfully to their communities.