The Department of Agriculture-Davao region has conducted a site validation in a 5-hectare agricultural production area as per request of the Congregation of Sisters Apostles of Jesus Crucified (AJC) in Tugbok, Davao City to the DA-XI Office of the Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr.

AJC sets to develop the agricultural production area for which produce will be used for the Feeding Program of Padre Pio's Home for Children orphanage as well as the beneficiaries in their immediate community.

"Unlike other congregations, we are not an income generating institution and only rely on donations. That is why we want to produce our own food to support the orphanage and the community," said Sr. Maria Elisabetta D. Mapa of AJC Sisters.

Sr. Mapa also said that it would be a perfect opportunity to introduce agriculture to the children in the orphanage to increase the participation of youth in agriculture as well as encourage community and home food production.

As per AJC request and validation of the DA-High Value Crops Development Program XI (HVCDP) technical staff Richjam Abellanida and Ludy May Malto and from the Municipal Agriculture  Office of Tugbok Alicia Monce, a series of training will be conducted focusing on livestock, vegetable production as well as orientation on corn production and Fall Armyworm (FAW) management and control.

Banner programs from DA-XI will also provide production support such as vegetable and corn seeds, forage, biocontrol agents such as Trichogramma and IEC materials such as production guides.