IP FAs in Impasugong, Bukidnon receives P2.1-M worth of agri-assistance from DA-NorMin. (Photo credits: EMB.)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –Four Indigenous Peoples (IPs) farmer’s associations of Impasugong, Bukidnon received P2.1 million worth of agri assistance from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program.
A total of 12 heads of carabao, 24 heads of horse, 16 units plow, 16 units harrow, 40K pieces of abaca seedlings, 20 rolls trapal and 20 rolls of A-net were provided to the IP beneficiaries in a ceremony held in barangays Bulonay and Hagpa of Impasugong town on February 23-24, 2022.
Impasugong Mayor Anthony A. Uy received the assistance from DA-10 Field Operations Chief Audy Maagad, Provincial Operations Center Chief of Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM who represented DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.
The IP group beneficiaries includes Grupo Hu Nagkasbuwa Hu Mga Mag-uuma sa Mahan-ao; Pigbuligaan Farmer’s Association; Mahagwa Buligay Farmers Association and Kahugpungan Association of barangays Bulonay and Hagpa.
“DA is providing livelihood opportunities to the IPs to enhance their agricultural productivity and eventually, increase their income,” said Director Collado.
He added, that DA’s efforts are also in support to fight against insurgency with the implementation of EO No. 70 or to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).
The said agri assistance is funded by the department’s 4K program which is in support of the development of the Ancestral Domain of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/IPs.
April Grace M. Racines, DA-10’s 4K focal person explained, “The 4K is a three-year special project of DA where it provides assistance to the ICC and IP in the form of agricultural and fisheries-related livelihood opportunities.”
Racines added that the program aims to capacitate the IPs through community organizing, agricultural skills training, and workshops to increase knowledge and productivity.
Andrew Lingcoran, a farmer of barangay Bulonay shared, “First time naming magkaroon ng kabayo kaya lubos ang pasasalamat namin sa DA na nabigyan nang atensiyon ang kagaya naming mga katutubo. Malaking tulong po ito sa aming lugar lalo na sa transportasyon ng aming sinasaka. Alagaan ko po ang kabayo para balang araw ang anak nito ay makatulong na naman sa ibang katutubong magsasaka dito sa amin.”
The activity was in partnership with the 8th and 16th Infantry Battalions of the 4th and 2nd Infantry Divisions, Philippine Army and Municipal Agriculture’s Office of Impasugong, Bukidnon.# (ATC)