ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug 18 (PIA) – Department of Agriculture 9 (DA-9) Regional Executive Director Rad Donn Cedeño assures that they are ready to assist farmers who will be affected with calamities especially this rainy season.
The DA anticipates that there may be flooding which may adversely affect the agriculture sector, “that is why we buffer stock seeds and we (are prepared) give assistance to those who will be affected with the calamity,” Dir. Cedeño said.
During the health crisis, DA-9 also considers the farmers and fisher folks as frontliners and heroes during the pandemic as the government gives full support to them. “It is the mandate of the Department of Agriculture to support the sustainable livelihood of all Filipinos,” Dir. Cedeño emphasized.
Meanwhile, DA-9 was also one of the agencies who welcomed the 76 Former Rebels (FRs), ex-members of the communist terrorist group last Saturday (August 15) in Zamboanga Sibugay. DA assures the FRs that as they start their new life, they will be given the opportunity to start their own agricultural livelihood to provide for their families. This is through a sustainable livelihood program co-provided by other government agencies, such as the provision of free seeds and trainings.
Moreover, DA-9 with the Land Bank of the Philippines continuously distributes Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) cash cards of ₱5,000.00 to its beneficiaries in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City.
“We will make sure that our farmers receive the financial assistance to cope with the challenges brought about by COVID19. We honor our farmers for ensuring food availability and security. They are our strong frontliners during this pandemic,” Dir. Cedeño added. (RVC/MLE/ PIA9-Zamboanga City)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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