Davao del sur: The Department of Agriculture (DA) - Davao Region has turned over a PHP1.7 million nursery facility to the Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) at its Kapoc Extension Campus in Matanao, Davao del Sur on Thursday. The project, funded under the regional DA's High-Value Crops Development Program, is expected to benefit both the college and the surrounding community.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA-Davao Regional Technical Director for Operations Marie Ann Constantino stated that the initiative highlights the importance of partnerships with state universities and colleges in achieving food security and agricultural resilience. "It requires strong, synergized, and purpose-driven collaborations," she said, adding that the turnover marks the start of the facility's operational phase.

Constantino noted that equipping academic institutions with modern agricultural infrastructure bridges the gap among research, technical instruction, and community empowerment. Meanwhile, DSSC President Augie Fuentes mentioned that the nursery underscores the college's commitment to agricultural development and collaboration with government partners.

Fuentes described the facility as a dynamic learning hub where students can gain hands-on skills in plant propagation, nursery management, and sustainable crop production. Constantino added that the facility will support the DSSC's ongoing initiatives in agricultural instruction, local crop production, and broader community development across Davao del Sur.