The Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), successfully conducted the Project Launching and Ceremonial Planting on Research and Development and Seed System on April 22–23, 2026, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

The two-day activity gathered personnel from OPAg and representatives from the Department of Agriculture – Caraga, highlighting a strengthened collaboration between provincial and regional stakeholders in advancing agricultural initiatives.

The program formally introduced the Province’s Research and Development and Seed System Project, which aims to promote ecosystem restoration and enhance food security through sustainable farming practices. The ceremonial planting activity served as a symbolic and practical step toward establishing mother block garden as a source of certified planting materials, improving soil health, conserving water resources, and supporting biodiversity.

This initiative underscores the critical link between environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity. By encouraging the adoption of climate-resilient and sustainable farming techniques, the province seeks to empower local farmers, improve agricultural outputs, and reduce dependence on external supply chains.

The activity was spearheaded by the OPAg Crops Division, with the Division Chief, Mr. Domingo O. Viduya, leading the implementation. Prior to the event, personnel were organized and briefed to ensure effective coordination in the preparation, execution, integration, and sustainability of the project. The program included the formal launching, orientation of participants, and the conduct of ceremonial planting, with emphasis on integrating research and development components for long-term impact.

The successful conduct of the activity demonstrated strong stakeholder engagement and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to agricultural innovation, environmental stewardship, and food security.