Agri-10 reinforces support to Manolo Fortich town farmers with over PhP13-million interventions

 

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON — Around 30 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon are set to benefit from the turnover and distribution of various agricultural interventions valued at over PhP13-million on Thursday, June 26, in Brgy. Dicklum, here.

Funded under the agency’s Corn and National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture programs, the distribution included inputs, machinery, equipment, and tools aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihood and income of local farmers.

The interventions provided were:

– 1,181 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds (LGU Manolo Fortich)
– 1,181 bags of complete fertilizer (LGU Manolo Fortich)
– 1 unit hauling truck (Bliss Lingion Multipurpose Cooperative)
– 1 unit corn sheller (Consolacion Farmers’ Association)
– 1 unit moisture meter (Sto. Niño Farmers’ Association)
– 3 units mini chainsaw (Santiago Integrated Crops FA), Consolacion FA and Guilang-guilang Diversified FA)
– 4 units pole pruner (Mantibugao Small Scale Tree Planters Association, Inc.)

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga lauded the joint effort behind the said milestone.

“All the interventions [we] are receiving today are the result of our collective efforts, this is a product of teamwork. As the saying goes, ‘No man is an island,’ which is why we work together to deliver the right services to our farmers here in Manolo Fortich,” the assistant director conveyed.

For his part, Bukidnon Vice-Governor Clive D. Quiño also praised the commitment of the FCAs, noting their role in motivating the provincial and municipal local government units (LGUs) to do more.

“The dedication of our LGUs would not be possible without recognizing the hard work and perseverance of the FCAs. You are our source of inspiration,” the provincial deputy head remarked.

He also challenged other FCAs to step up, citing that while Brgy. Mantibugao-based Bliss Lingion MPC has received a big ticket project from the department, others should work as hard to receive high-valued interventions such as a hauling truck unit, among other things.

As the town’s local chief executive, Manolo Fortich mayor Rogelio N. Quiño likewise underscored the importance of continuous learning and innovation in farming.

“Farming is crucial. It requires education to become progressive and successful,” the municipal head said, noting that’s why Manolo Fortich support initiatives ranging from soil analysis, research undertakings, to trainings and seminars.

Capping off the said ceremony, RTD Madriaga urged for the FCAs to communicate their needs to the LGU, especially to the Municipal Agriculture Office headed by Gemma G. Cania to avail various agri assistance in the near future.

“We will never get tired of helping our farmers. Just let us know what you truly need, and we will do our best to respond.” the operations director concluded.

Said activity also forms part of DA’s thrust in strengthening FCAs to develop resilient value chains for different agricultural commodities, especially for corn and high-value crops.# (JLO)