CABANGLASAN, Bukidnon — Three farmers’ and community associations in Cabanglasan received a total of ₱900,000 in government livelihood grants on Oct. 8, but the projects’ impact will depend on whether the funds improve access to farm facilities, supplies and veterinary services.
The grants, released under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program–PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (DSWD-SLP-PAMANA), amounted to ₱300,000 for each association, according to Mayor Bernie C. Castillanes.
The funding covers three projects intended to support farmers and livestock raisers in the municipality: a post-harvest facility, an agricultural supply project and an agricultural and veterinary supply project.
In Barangay Poblacion, the Cabanglasan Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative received funding for a post-harvest facility intended to improve produce handling and storage and reduce losses after harvest.
The Hilop Water System Association in Sitio Hilop received an Agricultural Supply Project, while the Tagiptip Water Association in Sitio Tagiptip received an Agricultural and Agrivet Supply Project intended to improve members’ access to farm inputs and veterinary supplies.
Castillanes said the municipal government provided logistical support, technical assistance, community preparation and project monitoring.
The municipality, DSWD-PAMANA, community associations and the 8th Infantry Battalion are also working together on livelihood and development initiatives in the area.
PAMANA supports communities affected by conflict and those covered by peace agreements through livelihood assistance and other interventions. The grants are intended to help local groups strengthen their economic activities.
However, the announcement did not specify how many farmers and livestock raisers would directly benefit from the three projects, when the facilities and supplies would become fully available, or what targets would be used to measure improvements in production and household income.
Details on how each association would manage the grants, maintain the facilities and account for the funds would also help residents assess the projects’ long-term benefits.
Castillanes said the initiatives were expected to improve farm productivity, strengthen local organizations and create more income opportunities for rural households.
The projects were launched under the theme, “Panaghiusa ug Kauswagan, Bag-ong Kusog sa Panguma, Bag-ong Paglaum alang sa mga Mag-uuma sa Cabanglasan,” which emphasizes cooperation and agricultural development.
The municipality said the initiatives support its vision of “Pag-ani sa Kalampusan, Pagpadayon sa Kalambuan.”
For farmers, the key measure of success will be whether the grants lead to more accessible supplies, fewer post-harvest losses and better returns from their crops and livestock. (With a report from Gryzl Francess L. Adviento/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
