VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) — Following a directive from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the Department of Agriculture (DA) handed over P58.37 million worth of machinery and tools to help modernize agriculture and fisheries in Catanduanes.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. led the distribution of various agricultural and fishing equipment when he visited the island province last week.
Among the items provided by the DA were six four-wheel drive tractors, valued at P14.39 million, under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program.
This equipment will enable farmers to expedite land preparation and reduce the costs associated with rice production.
Additionally, the DA allocated P17.78 million for seeds and fertilizers for rice farmers, and P5.6 million for a swine module package that includes housing facilities under the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development Program.
In the organic farming sector, interventions valued at P5.19 million will be distributed to 12 farmer organizations. These interventions include a solar-powered irrigation system, greenhouse, vermicomposting shed, and other agricultural inputs.
A multi-commodity processing center, worth P4 million, will also be constructed to enhance product processing and create greater market opportunities for beneficiaries.
Furthermore, over P2.97 million has been allocated for spindle stripping machines and drying facilities for abaca farmers’ associations, which will help improve fiber quality and increase income.
The DA has also allocated P2.52 million to the High Value Crop Development Program in the island.
Under the initiative of the state-run Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., 176 farmers received indemnity checks totaling P1.19 million.
The financial assistance aims to help them recover from agricultural losses and continue their farming activities.
The fisheries sector has also received over P4.4 million in assistance, including cash support for 1,323 fishermen under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk Program, as well as boats, fishing equipment, fingerlings, and other livelihood supports.
Danilo Bermejo, from the Maysuram-Lusong Farmers Association in Caramoran town, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are thankful to President Marcos and PhilFida for providing us with the abaca spindle machine.”
“It significantly boosts our abaca production and makes our work easier,” he added.
Similarly, Remelito Abrenica, president of the Tambongon Farmers Association, expressed his appreciation.
“We are grateful to the government, especially PBBM and PhilFida, for the abaca spindle machine,” he said.
“We can now produce high-quality abaca, which commands a better price. This is an excellent opportunity to increase the income of abacaleros like us,” he added.
According to Laurel, the assistance will boost agricultural and fisheries production, promote climate-resilient farming and fishing practices, and further enhance food security in Catanduanes.
Laurel noted that the initiative will benefit 63 farmers and fisherfolk organizations, 11 local government units, and 176 individual farmers who will receive indemnity checks.
Source: PIA Bicol