PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) is the primary office under the Provincial Government of Bohol which is tasked to implement programs and projects geared towards food sufficiency and food security. This covers programs and projects on prime crops and fishery commodities which are basically for human consumption.
For Crops Productivity, OPA continued to implement various programs such as the Hybrid and Inbred Rice Program, Corn Program, Cassava Program, High Value Crops Development Program, Provision of Crop Facilities, and the Promotion of Organic Agriculture. On the other hand, to enhance Fisheries Productivity, the office also implemented several key initiatives such as the Fisheries Resource Management and Development Program and the Fiberglass Boat Program.
In addition, the Bilar Multi-Species Freshwater Hatchery located at the BISU Bilar Campus remained operational, while the establishment of the Bangus Hatchery at the BISU–Clarin Campus will further support aquaculture development in the province.
As to the agricultural engineering and mechanization support services, the OPA implemented the PRDP–GEP (with DA and World Bank). Support services also included the operation of the Bohol Integrated Soil Laboratory at the BISU–Bilar Campus, Farm Mechanization Services, Post-harvest and Water Detection Services, Agri-Infrastructure Projects, Irrigation Services, and the Rice Processing System.
Under the Agribusiness Division, market support initiatives such as the Palay Buy-Back Program and the Tabo/Kadiwa sa Kapitolyo were implemented to strengthen farmers’ access to markets and improve farm income. These programs are also implemented to give consumers access to fresh outputs which were sourced directly from our farmers.
The OPA likewise conducted various festivals and award programs to recognize the contribution of several people and agencies behind Bohol’s agricultural excellence and to further promote agricultural development. These included the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon, Suhid sa Gulayan sa Paaralan, Suhid sa Bol-anong Busog ug Himsog Program, Sandugo Agri-Fair, Ubi Festival, World Food Day Celebration, and the Organic Agriculture Festival. These activities serve as the core of OPA’s strategy of strengthening its community engagement approach.
Lastly, the establishment of the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (PAFEC) at the Governor’s Mansion further elevated OPA’s capacity in coordinating with the different agriculture line agencies in ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of agricultural and fisheries extension services throughout the province.
