Agri chief turns over Php93.3-M agri-fishery interventions to Lanao del Norte

BACOLOD, L​anao del Norte, Nov. 28 – Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar leads the turnover of P​hp​93.3 million worth of agri-fishery interventions to the different local government units in Lanao del Norte on November 24, 2020.

Dar said the assistance is part of the government’s efforts in increasing agricultural productivity and income of farmers and fisherfolk to make them more competitive.

“During the last two quarters, amid the pandemic, the agriculture sector is the only sector with a positive growth. An indication that tayo sa sektor ng agrikultura, katuwang natin ang LGUs at mas lalo pa ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda na hindi sumuko sa pandemiya,” said Dar.

Part of the department’s COVID-19 response under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) includes agri machinery, tools, corn and vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers and other inputs worth P10.5 million to the local governments of Linamon, Magsaysay, Matungao, Munai, Nunungan, Poona Piagapo, Sapad and Tangcal.

The province of Lanao del Norte received 13,583 bags of inorganic fertilizers under DA’s rice program amounting P​hp​13.583 million in support of their rice farmers.

Additional P​hp​22.07 million for the 29,050 bags certified inbred rice seeds for CY 2021 dry season under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – Seed Program in support to the rice farmers in the province from the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice).

Meanwhile, the Paglingkawas Women’s Federation of Kauswagan town is the beneficiary of the Grant for Packing House Facilities (Type A Grants) under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program in the amount of P​hp​1 million composed of vehicle, support to capital and equipment.

Under the Philippine Rural Development Project, the Dulag Farmers Association of Iligan City received P​hp​2.9 million worth of Abaca fiber consolidation, processing, and marketing in support of the infrastructure and food security program of the department.

He also handed the P​hp​30 million award to LGU Bacolod being the 2019 national grand winner of the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10.

In support of EO 70, LGU Kauswagan received 30,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings worth P​hp​75,000 as livelihood intervention to the fisherfolk, while LGU Maigo received P​hp​3 million community fish landing center.

Aside from the turnover of projects, a P​hp​10 million certificate of commitment was awarded for the small ruminant production under the livestock program Bayanihan Act II for LGU Tubod and MSU Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (LNAC) in Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

“My big salute to the farmers and fisherfolk of Lanao del Norte. We want to continue that momentum, the growth must continue to be observed and felt by the farmers and fisherfolk in terms of productivity and increasing income. Dapat ang mga magsasaka at mangingingsda ay yayaman gawa ng pagtulong ng national at local government,” he ​said.

He was assisted by DA 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, BFAR 10 director Teodoro A. Bacolod, Jr. and PhilRice Agusan Branch Director Caesar Joventino Tado and local officials during the turnover ceremony. (ATCabi​g/DA-10/PIA-ICIC)

 

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)