In support to EO 70, the agri dept in NorMin turns over prod’n and marketing assistance amounting to more than P3.4-M to FRs in Bukidnon. 

 

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – In support to the whole-of-nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 turned over production and marketing assistance worth over P3.4 million to former rebels in Bukidnon.

On Thursday, March 4, DA NorMin distributed over 900 packets of assorted vegetable seeds (P117,000) in three variants: pinakbet, chopsuey, and sinigang, and 520 mushroom fruiting bags (P31,200).

The agency signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Impasugong Mayor Anthony A. Uy for the P2 million financial grant under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

Similarly, a certificate of allocation worth P1.3 million was also handed to the 403rd Infantry Brigade (IB) to provide training, logistics and agricultural equipment for Adlay production and marketing in support to former rebels.

“DA’s assistance will greatly help farmers, especially those in far-flung barangays. These interventions would greatly help in boosting their production and increasing their income; thereby also improving their standard of living,” shared 403rd IB Commander BGEN Ferdinand T Barandon, PA.

It can be recalled that an Adlay ceremonial harvest was held in December, last year at the Peacemaker Farm of the 403rd IB, Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon which is maintained by former rebels.

Representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, OIC-Chief Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Larry E. Paraluman stated, said initiative aims to bring the government closer to the people.

He also encouraged participants to send in their letter of intent for their proposed livelihood projects. Participating were around 900 beneficiaries from the towns of Maramag, Kibawe, Damulog, Kitaotao, Quezon, Manolo Fortich, Lantapan, Pangantucan and Malaybalay City.

Apart from DA, the Office of Senator Lawrence T. Go and other government agencies such as the Philippine Army, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also provided their respective interventions to participants. # (AMBManto)