Dinagat Islands
The Province of Dinagat Islands, located in the Caraga region of the Philippines, is an archipelago known for its rugged terrain and rich natural resources. Established as a separate province in 2006, it comprises several islands with a predominantly hilly landscape, featuring patches of forested areas that are home to rare species such as the endangered Magkono (iron wood). The province’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from mining, agriculture, and fisheries sectors.
In 2022, the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was valued at PHP 12.00 billion, accounting for 3.7% of the Caraga region’s GDP. However, the economy experienced a contraction of 4.3% that year, primarily due to declines in the mining and quarrying sector by 36.9% and the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector by 8.9%. Despite these challenges, the construction industry maintained a substantial share of 20.5% in the provincial economy.
Agricultural Sector
Agriculture in Dinagat Islands faces limitations due to its rocky and rugged terrain, with only 41% of the total land area deemed suitable for farming. The province has 13,167 registered farmers engaged in the cultivation of rice, corn, and bananas, primarily in the plains adjacent to creeks and rivers. To revitalize this sector, the provincial government launched the Dinagat Islands Sustainable Agri-Fishery Development Program in 2022, investing PHP 40.99 million to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Fisheries Sector
The fisheries sector is vital to the province’s economy, providing employment through both coastal and deep-sea fishing operations. Men are predominantly involved in fishing activities, while women engage in trading and vending of seafood products. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has implemented the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program in municipalities such as Tubajon and Libjo, aiming to support fisherfolk and enhance the fisheries industry.
Poverty Situation
As of 2021, the poverty incidence in Dinagat Islands stood at 33.10%, indicating that nearly a third of the population lived below the poverty threshold. This figure reflects the economic challenges faced by the province, including contractions in key industries and the impacts of natural disasters. Efforts to address poverty have included investments in agriculture and fisheries, aiming to provide sustainable livelihoods and improve living conditions for residents.
Project Profile
DA
The DA-SAAD program in Dinagat Islands focuses on providing agricultural assistance to marginalized farmers to improve their productivity and livelihood. In 2024, the program allocated PHP 36.3 million to support 28 farmers’ groups in the Caraga region, including six associations in Dinagat Islands engaged in egg production, receiving a total of PHP 6.64 million in financial and technical assistance. This initiative aims to provide sustainable farming opportunities, boost food security, and enhance the income of local farmers. The program also offers training sessions, farm inputs, and technical guidance to improve agricultural practices.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dinagat | Justiniana Edera | Egg Production | Justiniana Edera Livestock Grower Association | 26 | 1,161,700.00 |
| 2023 | Dinagat | Wadas | Egg Production | Pangie Farmers’ Association | 26 | 1,161,700.00 |
| 2023 | Libjo (Albor) | Bayanihan | Egg Production | Bayanihan Makugihong, Mag-uuma, Mangingisad Asosasyon (bmmma) | 26 | 1,161,700.00 |
| 2023 | Libjo (Albor) | Doña Helen | Egg Production | Doña Helen Women Sewing Growers Association (dohswa) | 25 | 1,161,700.00 |
| 2023 | Tubajon | Mabini | Egg Production | Mabini Multipurpose Cooperative (mamulco) | 26 | 1,161,700.00 |
| 2023 | Tubajon | Malinao | Egg Production | Malinao Poultry Growers Association | 29 | 1,161,700.00 |
| 2024 | Dinagat | Justiniana Edera | Egg Production + Vegetable + Corn | Justiniana Edera Livestock Grower Association | 26 | 1,123,200.00 |
| 2024 | Dinagat | Wadas | Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production | Pangie Farmers’ Association | 26 | 1,123,200.00 |
| 2024 | Libjo (Albor) | Bayanihan | Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production | Bayanihan Makugihong, Mag-uuma, Mangingisad Asosasyon (bmmma) | 26 | 1,123,200.00 |
| 2024 | Libjo (Albor) | Doña Helen | Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production | Doña Helen Women Sewing Growers Association (dohswa) | 25 | 1,123,200.00 |
| 2024 | Tubajon | Mabini | Egg Production | Mabini Multipurpose Cooperative (mamulco) | 25 | 1,058,560.00 |
| 2024 | Tubajon | Malinao | Egg + Vegetable Production | Malinao Poultry Growers Association | 27 | 1,087,700.00 |
| 2025 | Dinagat | Justiniana Edera | Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Justiniana Edera Livestock Grower Association | 26 | 1,346,600.00 |
| 2025 | Dinagat | Wadas | Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Pangie Farmers’ Association | 26 | 1,337,600.00 |
| 2025 | Libjo (Albor) | Bayanihan | Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Bayanihan Makugihong, Mag-uuma, Mangingisad Asosasyon (bmmma) | 26 | 1,337,600.00 |
| 2025 | Libjo (Albor) | Doña Helen | Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Doña Helen Women Sewing Growers Association (dohswa) | 25 | 1,343,950.00 |
| 2025 | Tubajon | Mabini | Egg + Vegetable Production and Marketing Project | Mabini Multipurpose Cooperative (mamulco) | 26 | 1,176,800.00 |
| 2025 | Tubajon | Malinao | Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Malinao Poultry Growers Association | 27 | 1,337,600.00 |
| 2026 | Dinagat | Justiniana Edera | Support to Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Justiniana Edera Livestock Grower Association | 21 | 1,065,800.00 |
| 2026 | Dinagat | Wadas | Support to Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Pangie Farmers’ Association | 19 | 1,065,800.00 |
| 2026 | Libjo (Albor) | Bayanihan | Support to Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Bayanihan Makugihong, Mag-uuma, Mangingisda Asosasyon (bmmma) | 23 | 1,065,800.00 |
| 2026 | Libjo (Albor) | Doña Helen | Support to Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Doña Helen Women Sewing Growers Association (dohswa) | 17 | 1,065,800.00 |
| 2026 | Tubajon | Mabini | Support to Egg + Vegetable Production and Marketing Project | Mabini Multipurpose Cooperative (mamulco) | 21 | 1,179,000.00 |
| 2026 | Tubajon | Malinao | Support to Egg + Vegetable + Corn Production and Marketing Project | Malinao Poultry Growers Association | 27 | 1,179,000.00 |
BFAR
BFAR-SAAD focuses on uplifting the fisheries sector in Dinagat Islands by providing livelihood support to fisherfolk. The program has been implemented in several municipalities, including Tubajon and Libjo, where fisherfolk receive financial aid, equipment, and technical training. It aims to strengthen the province’s coastal and deep-sea fishing industries by supporting small-scale fishers, promoting aquaculture, and ensuring sustainable fishing practices. BFAR-SAAD also introduces post-harvest support, such as fish processing and preservation techniques, to help fisherfolk maximize their income.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dinagat | Escolta (Pob.) | Motorized Boat (25 footer) | Dinagat Municipal Fishers Association | 28 | 1,747,298.00 |
| 2023 | Libjo (Albor) | San Antonio (Pob.) | Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage (10 meters diameter) | Asosasyon Sa Mag-uuma Ug Mananagat Sa Sitio Katipunan (ammsk) | 25 | 1,112,380.00 |
| 2023 | Tubajon | Roxas | Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage (10 meters diameter) | Nagkahiusang Mananagat Sa Roxas Association (namaro) | 25 | 1,112,380.00 |
| 2024 | Dinagat | Escolta (Pob.) | Motorized Boat (25 footer) | Dinagat Sea Master Fisherfolk Association | 16 | 783,000.00 |
| 2024 | Dinagat | Escolta (Pob.) | Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia | Dinagat Municipal Fishers Association | 28 | 338,000.00 |
| 2024 | Libjo (Albor) | Arellano | Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia | Arellano Fisherfolk Association | 27 | 718,000.00 |
| 2024 | Libjo (Albor) | San Antonio (Pob.) | Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage | Asosasyon Sa Mag-uuma Ug Mananagat Sa Sitio Katipunan (ammsk) | 25 | 426,000.00 |
| 2024 | Tubajon | Imelda | Lobster Culture | Fisherfolk And Agricultural Farmers In Sitio Tabok | 25 | 788,000.00 |
| 2024 | Tubajon | Roxas | Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage | Nagkahiusang Mananagat Sa Roxas Association (namaro) | 25 | 426,000.00 |
| 2025 | Dinagat | New Mabuhay | Motorized Boat (25 footer) | New Mabuhay Fisherfolk Association | 20 | 1,200,000.00 |
| 2025 | Dinagat | New Mabuhay | Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia | Dinagat Sea Master Association | 16 | 170,000.00 |
| 2025 | Dinagat | White Beach (Pob.) | Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia | Dinagat Municipal Fisherfolk Association | 28 | 135,000.00 |
| 2025 | Libjo (Albor) | Arellano | Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia | Arellano Fisherfolk Association | 62 | 915,000.00 |
| 2025 | Libjo (Albor) | San Antonio (Pob.) | Post-Harvest Equipment/Materials | Asosasyon Sa Mag-uuma Ug Mananagat Sa Sitio Katipunan | 25 | 120,000.00 |
| 2025 | Tubajon | Imelda | Motorized Boat (25 footer) | Babangnan Fisherfolk Association | 16 | 1,186,371.00 |
| 2025 | Tubajon | Imelda | Lobster Culture | Fisherfolk And Agricultural Farmers In Sitio Tabok (fafst) | 25 | 829,162.00 |
| 2025 | Tubajon | Roxas | Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia | Nagkahiusang Mananagat Sa Roxas Association (namaro) | 25 | 120,000.00 |