Agri-10 turns over nearly PhP2.93-M worth of interventions to LGU Kapatagan, farmers’ coops during Araw ng Kapatagan

 

Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte – In celebration of the 76th Araw ng Kapatagan, particularly its Agriculture Day on July 7, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), through the Corn Program, turned over almost PhP2.93 million (M) worth of agricultural logistics support to the Local Government of Kapatagan and three farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs).

Held at the Municipal Grounds in Brgy. Poblacion of the said town, the roster of interventions handed over include one unit hauling truck (PhP2.57-M), one unit corn sheller (PhP299,800.00), and two units moisture meter (PhP29,900.00 each), tailored to empower farmers to be more efficient and productive in their farming operations.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, Provincial Operations Center chief for Lanao del Norte, Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo led the turnover and conveyed the key official’s gratitude to the local government for its continuing support to the implementation of the DA’s programs, projects, and interventions.

“The DA alone cannot achieve its goals, but its success will depend on the concerted action from all levels of government, the private sector, civil society, and FCAs,” he stressed.

He added that the package of agri assistance is also anchored on President Marcos’s vision of agriculture as a key driver in nation-building, citing an enhanced and harmonized value chain system from pre- to post-harvest to ensure its long-term sustainability.

For her part, Kapatagan Mayor Elizabeth B. Ali highlighted the invaluable contribution of farmers and fishers toward the attainment of food security and sufficiency in the municipality.

“Today, we do not only celebrate Agriculture Day, but the heart and soul of our community—our farmers and fisherfolk, our agricultural workers, who continue to give life to our land and strengthen our local economy,” the local chief executive remarked.

“Progress does not happen overnight; it is built on the sacrifices of those who came before us and who continue to do unified efforts until today,” Ali added.

In an interview, Eleseo G. Cani-Zares, a member of the Buenavista Farmers’ Credit Cooperative, lauded the national and local government’s support on the grant of a moisture meter unit to their farmers’ group.

“Ang among mga farmer-member dako gyud og pasalamat kay kini [moisture meter] makatabang og dako. Dili na kaayo dako ang kuhaon nga tarha, kay makuha na gyud ang sakto nga [kaumugon] sa mais. Dako gyud among kalipay nga naa na kini karon, kay sukad sauna, wala gyud mi ing-ani. Karon pa gyud ni nga panahon. Sauna, testing pa—kinahanglan pa nimo dad-on ang sample sa imong mais ngadto sa komprador.”

(Our farmer-members are deeply grateful for the provision of this moisture meter, as it will greatly assist us in determining the moisture meter of our corn. This will help reduce deductions during selling. We are truly pleased to finally have this equipment, as we have never had access to one until now. In the past, we had to rely on guesswork and even bring samples to buyers.)

At the helm of the agri office in the locality, meanwhile, Engr. Jill Ann P. Gomonit, acting municipal agriculturist, encouraged farmers to remain engaged and serve as the government’s staunch partners in development.

“Sa mga mag-uuma sa mais dinhi sa lungsod sa Kapatagan, among panghinaot ang inyong makanunayong suporta sa LGU Kapatagan tungod kay ang among plano ug tinguha alang man sa kalambuan sa tanan,” she urged.

(To our corn farmers here in Kapatagan, we hope for your continued support to LGU Kapatagan, as all our plans and efforts are intended for the development of everyone.)

This year’s celebration carried the theme: “Unity and Continuity: Honoring the Past, Advancing with a New Vision.” # (JLO)