MISAMIS ORIENTAL – In a significant boost to its agricultural sector, Misamis Oriental has announced a 64.5% increase in its agricultural budget for 2025, raising the funding from PHP 170 million to PHP 480 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke during the opening of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) on Friday, the budget enhancement reflects a 14% allocation of the province's total budget to agriculture programs. Buhisan emphasized the need for a behavioral shift in the local economy to enhance the effectiveness of government agricultural initiatives.

The budget increase was announced at the "Techno Gabay Program sa Coconut and Masaganang Cocobuhayan Expo 2024," a national event focusing on modern coconut farming practices. The ATI, under the leadership of Director IV Remelyn Recoter, is spearheading the program. Recoter noted that the National Coconut Farmers Registry System includes 2.8 million coconut farmers nationwide, with 25 million consumers benefiting from products within the coconut value chain.

Misamis Oriental has made significant investments in the coconut industry, focusing on the development of processing plants and machinery, which are pivotal to the region's economic strategy. These efforts are aimed at bolstering the province’s agricultural productivity and sustainability.