NORTHERN Mindanao agriculture department (DA-10) has strengthened its agricultural support to farmers in the two villages in Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
On Tuesday, the department even turned over P15.86 million agri interventions in support of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) program.
The support is in line with Executive Order 70 signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte which is also known as the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.
Among the interventions are agri machinery and equipment (mobile flash dryer, mechanical rice thresher, power tiller – pull type with trailer);
Multi-crop drying pavement with shed; egg incubators; agri inputs (inorganic and organic fertilizer, feeds, vegetable, sorghum, corn and rice seeds);
Others are livestock animals, drugs and supplements funded by the agency’s banner programs (rice, corn, livestock) and special projects (Special Area for Agricultural Development Program).
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar with DA Asst. Sec. for agribusiness and marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista, DA-10 regional technical director Carlota S. Madriaga, and other officials led the turnover ceremony on December 12.
“Sa ELCAC more than P50 million worth of ari interventions which includes equipment and machinery na ang naipamahagi ng DA sa Region 10," said Evangelista.
“Our help does not end here because President Duterte ordered you to be at the top of our government's list,” said Evangelista.
Adding they are together, helping the whole of the government approach.
She further announced an additional P2 million commitment, P1 million for agribusiness capital and another P1 million for 5 units of Adlay milling equipment.
“Puhunan po ito (bigay po ito at hindi loan) na gagamitin ninyo para sa processing at packaging," said Evangelista.
"You need to sell at a good price. That is the way for us to develop together. The DA has always been here to help you,” she said.
Meanwhile, DA-10 regional technical director for operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized, the assistance is in support of the agency’s thrust in increasing productivity and income and reducing poverty among the marginalized sectors in agriculture and fishery in pursuit of the country’s peace agenda. (Angie T. Cabig)
