CARMEN, Surigao del Sur -- In preparation for the implementation of the "Carmen Sustainable Agro-forestry and Agro-industrial Development (CaSAAD)" Program, Mayor Jane V. Plaza, Vice Mayor Harvey S. Manawatao, and all SB members with the CaSAAD Technical Working Group (TWG) visited the province of Agusan del Sur for the benchmarking activity of the best practices, implementation process, and innovation on the Upland Sustainable Agroforestry Program (USAD) implemented by the Provincial Government in Agusan del Sur.

Agusan del Sur is an elongated basin formation with mountain ranges in the eastern and western sides forming a valley, which occupies the central longitudinal section of the land. It is rich in natural resources, showcasing vast agricultural land, scenic forests, stunning waterfalls, and panoramic views of mountains and pristine marshland.

The team from the Local Government Unit of Carmen headed by Mayor Plaza extended their gratitude to Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago B. Cane, with Forester Rodulfo R. Paler-Provincial Administrator, Engr. Linda M. Buquir-Acting Provincial Engineer and Former USAD Program Coordinator, and Ms. Maricar L. Prochina, USAD Program Coordinator, for the opportunity, time, and knowledge they shared and provided.

The learnings they  acquired during the benchmarking will be the stepping stone toward LGU-Carmen's goal of becoming the province's agro-industrial center in the near future.

The Carmen Sustainable Agro-forestry and Agro-industrial Development (CaSAAD) Program will serve as the LGU's key strategy in realizing the vision of becoming the agro-industrial hub in the province. Agro-forestry will  be promoted in all upland areas. The agro-Industrial project shall be established to process either abaca or bamboo.

There are three major development goals  identified for  the LGU, namely,  the reduction of poverty, generating employment for its constituents, and ensuring the sustainability of its forest resources, will be realized based on the plan and  program implementation. (NGPB/LGU-Carmen/PIA-Surigao del Sur)