BAYUGAN CITY, AGUSAN DEL SUR —The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Agusan del Sur is providing additional support to the province’s growing coffee sector through enterprise development assistance under the RAPID Growth Project. On September 7, 2026, the Hillstribe Economic Development Farmers Association (HEDFA) received 56 sacks of complete 14-14-14 basal fertilizer in Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City. The assistance was provided through the Matching Grant Program under the Coffee Detailed Investment Plan (DIP) to support HEDFA’s ongoing 28-hectare coffee farm expansion.
Supporting Farm Expansion and Productivity
The fertilizer assistance complements previously provided planting materials and other farm inputs intended to help HEDFA expand its production capacity. By addressing essential input requirements, the intervention seeks to improve farm productivity and give farmer-members better resources to sustain their coffee-growing activities. The support also reflects the RAPID Growth Project’s approach of working directly with farmer organizations and local partners based on their identified needs. Through the Matching Grant Program, assistance is aligned with the production requirements and long-term development plans of beneficiary groups.
Building a Stronger Coffee Industry
DTI’s assistance forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Agusan del Sur’s coffee value chain and position local producers for more sustainable growth. Investments in farm inputs and production capacity can help farmer organizations improve the quantity and quality of their coffee while creating opportunities to reach wider markets. For communities dependent on agriculture, a stronger coffee industry can also contribute to livelihood development and local economic activity. Through continued partnerships with farmer organizations and local government units, the RAPID Growth Project supports a more resilient and competitive coffee sector while helping local producers access the resources needed to expand their enterprises.
