Oro eyes digital agriculture hub

Cagayan de Oro is positioning itself for a digital leap in agriculture as the city government pushes for the establishment of Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center.

This, after the committee on fisheries and aquatic resources, chaired by Councilor Juancho “Antuy” Pascual forwarded to the City Legal Office (CLO) the proposal authorizing Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) for the purpose.

Acting City Agriculture Office department manager Engineer Bernie A. Daba said the initiative forms part of a national initiative to equip farmers with modern farming knowledge, innovation support, and online learning by expanding access to technology, especially for farmers in the upland barangays.

“Agriculture has evolved. We must help our farmers transition from traditional practices to modern and technology-driven methods,” Daba told the council members.

ATI representative Honeylou C. Bastasa shared that while the center will provide equipment and support, the city government will be responsible for its management and maintenance.

“No new hiring is required, as existing staff may be assigned to run the facility,” she further pointed out.

Despite pending approval, Daba is optimistic that the center would ‘bridge the gap between information, technology, and farmers,’ supporting the city’s vision of becoming a model for agri-innovation.

Currently, Region 10 hosts 67 FITS Centers and 152 barangay kiosks. (FDC/SP)