Iloilo’s agricultural producers were among the beneficiaries of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Tapat Para sa Lahat simultaneous nationwide distribution of interventions on September 13, coinciding with the President’s 67th birthday.
Farmers from the different local government units (LGUs) in the province received agricultural projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas’ banner programs. These include the P1.015-million Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) for 203 rice growers of Iloilo City and Dumangas town. The DA Rice Program also turned over P17.55-million worth of hybrid seeds and P17.51-million of soil ameliorants to Iloilo Provincial LGU.
Meanwhile, DA through Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia presented the Certificates of Award to recipients of native chicken dispersal projects, power sprayers, greenhouse facility, farm equipment for corn and high value crops farming.
The department also granted significant projects to farmers cooperatives and associations to boost poultry production and spur recovery of the livestock industry in Iloilo province.
These projects included the P10-million worth each of INSPIRE-Recovery of Breeder-Base Establishment of 30-sow level multiplier farm project to POPA Agricultural Cooperative of Iloilo City, Calinog Livestock and Poultry Association, and Miagao Hog Raisers’ Association; chicken multiplier farm project valued at P2.1-million for Igbaras Federation of Farmers’ Association; P1-million rabbit multiplier project to Calinog Rabbit Raisers Association; INSPIRE – Package 2. A 30-sow level production farm worth P10-million each to Panay Agrarian Reform Cooperative (ARC), Pinili Development Cooperative, CAPISAN ARC, Tu-og Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Leon Hog Farmers Association, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – Iloilo, San Enrique LGU, and LADAP ARC. In addition, the Pavia Livestock Growers Association received two modules of cattle multiplier farm project amounting to P2.5-million.
Director Arpia emphasized that the national government has been providing huge investments to drive growth in the agri-fishery sectors.
“Natutuwa kami sa Department of Agriculture na mahal na mahal ng Presidente ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Ang ating rehiyon ay isa sa mga pinakamalaking food baskets ng ating bansa. Outside of Luzon, tayo ang tintingnan na panggagalingan ng produksyon. Weather permitting, we are expecting one of the biggest harvests so far,” said Arpia who went on urging other stakeholders to continuously support the causes of farmers and fishers.
On rice production, the regional agri chief reaffirmed the DA’s goal of improving the production volume this wet cropping season with the support of LGUs and various sectors.
“Kung mapapababa ang production costs, mapapataas ang efficiency. Habang lumalaki ang ani, tumataas ang produksyon, mas lumalaki ang pagkakataon na ang mga magsasaka natin ay mas makabenta ng mas mura at meron pa rin silang tutubuin,” he explained.
Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. likewise assured the Ilonggo community that President Marcos administration is providing extensive support and creating solutions to farmers’ plight.
The simultaneous nationwide event was highlighted with President Marcos launching the Agri-Puhunan Program in Guimba, Nueva Ecija. In the provinces, local events featured the ‘Kadiwa ng Pangulo’ initiative, allowing farmers to sell fresh agri-fishery commodities and other necessities at more affordable prices.
To further empower farmer-beneficiaries from Iloilo, DA Western Visayas also hosted a Technical Caravan, providing salient information on how to mitigate the effects of La Niña on agriculture and fishery industries and effectively managing crop pests and diseases. Participants were also introduced to potential enterprises in mushroom cultivation and processing.
Other national government agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Employment, TESDA Iloilo Province, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Energy, also participated, sharing their projects and advocacies for Iloilo province. (SMHToreno/JDCandelario/DA-RAFIS 6)
