𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗡, 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 — 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.


Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman visited the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) on Friday to review programs, inaugurate new facilities, and discuss strategic initiatives in preparation for the institution’s transition to a state university.

ASSCAT officials, led by President Joy C. Capistrano, presented the college’s expanded role as the designated Soils Center of the Caraga Region and its mission as an Agricultural University. The discussions highlighted research development, infrastructure upgrades, and modernization of agricultural education—initiatives that align with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur’s thrust to strengthen soil science research, promote sustainable agriculture, and stimulate rural economic growth.

Secretary Pangandaman inaugurated three new service vehicles—a school bus, van, and pick-up—to improve mobility for students, strengthen community outreach, and support field-based learning.

She toured the Smart Farming Facility, where she joined students in harvesting crops and aquaculture activities. The facility integrates technology-driven farming methods and resource-efficient systems designed to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Her visit continued at the Crops and Soil Laboratory, which focuses on soil testing, crop research, and sustainable land management, and at the ASSCAT Agri-Business Research and Innovation (ABRI) Technology Business Incubator, where she learned about ongoing work to develop agri-based products and support local enterprise creation.

ASSCAT also presented the proposal for the ASSCAT SEDA tu’ Caraga: The Silk Innovation Center, an initiative aimed at introducing high-value silk production to the region as a sustainable livelihood and industry diversification opportunity.

In her remarks, Secretary Pangandaman commended ASSCAT’s forward-looking approach to agricultural education and innovation, noting its alignment with national development goals and global efforts toward sustainability. She reaffirmed DBM’s readiness to work closely with the institution to ensure that priority projects receive the policy and budgetary support needed to succeed.

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen partnerships that will prepare ASSCAT for university status and position Caraga as a center for agricultural excellence and innovation.