Agri-10 grants nearly PhP15-M worth of agri assistance to Lantapan town farmer groups

 

LANTAPAN, BUKIDNON – As part of the agency’s continuing efforts to empower rural communities and strengthen its agricultural sector, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) turned over nearly PhP15-million (M) worth of agricultural interventions to different farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) on July 18, held at the TESDA Building, Motorpool, Babahagon, here.

The support, pooled from the department’s Rice, Corn and High Value Crops Development programs, includes farm machinery and inputs, designed to boost the production, marketing and processing efficiency of farmers in the locality.

Specifically, the roster of interventions includes a hauling truck, cassava grater, 110 bags of hybrid rice seeds, 1,181 bags of corn seeds and complete fertilizers, a tractor, and 4 units of chainsaws.

In her remarks, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10, stressed the importance of unity, cooperation, and a positive attitude among FCAs to sustain their chosen agricultural activities.

“Magtinabangay ta kanunay, [aron magpadayon ang atong unity]. Kinahanglan maayo ang atong mga batasan [aron makab-ot nato ang panaghiusa]. [Mag]-uban tang tanan, para ma sustain atoang mga produkto,” the provincial chief said.

Likewise, the DA-10 official expressed her gratitude, on behalf of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, to the farmers of the municipality who continue to plant amid challenges while they also pin their hopes for the availment of more support from the agency.

“Ang DA is proposal-based, kay unsa ang inyong gikinahanglan, isulat na ninyo, i-endorse dayon sa Municipal Agriculture Office [of Lantapan] ug ang atong mayor, ug pagkahuman dayon, ang atong vice-mayor ug ang iyang konseho mao sab na mo-allow sa inyong mayor na mopirma og mga agreement.” Dr. Lopez added.

Neptali C. Ambos, Lantapan municipal agriculturist, said the various agri assistance are meaningful additions to the FCAs, bringing much-needed support and hope to the local communities.

“Sigurado ko nga dako kaayo ang kalipay sa mga farmers sa nadawat nilang interventions kay this is a life-changing opportunity for them, ilabina sa mga nakadawat og hauling truck ug tractor. Dugay na nila kini gipangayo, ug pinaagi sa ilang pasensya ug sa kaikag nga gihatag sa DA, nakuha na gyud nila. Kining tanan maka-fuel sa economic activities sa ilang organization, makahatag og employment, ug mas makapalig-on pa gyud sa ilang grupo.” the town’s agri head pointed out.

Underscoring the grassroots’ efforts, Lantapan Mayor Ricky James D. Balansag also outlined the role of the FCAs and the synergy across all levels of government.

“Bunga ni sa inyong tanan na pagpaningkamot…ang kanunay nato na panaghiusa maoy mohatag nato og kalambuan,” the local chief executive conveyed.

Among the highlighted beneficiaries was the Cooperatiba sa Pobreng Mag-uuma (COPOMA) from Bugcaon, Lantapan, which received a hauling truck and cassava grater valued at nearly PhP2.8-M.

“Dako kaayo ang among pasalamat sa dakong grasya nga among nadawat ug sa ngalan sa COPOMA, walay kabutangan ang among kalipay nga nakatungtong nami sa sakyanan na sukad wala gyud namo damha nga among maangkon,” Juanita C. Lumalad, COPOMA chairperson shared.

To ensure comprehensive support for farmers, the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp., an attached agency of the DA, also distributed application forms for crop and life insurance, offering protection for their livelihood and well-being against potential risks.# (JLO)