Agri-10 turns over farm input subsidies to boost Medina town farmers’ productivity

 

MEDINA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Eyeing to boost local agricultural production, some 337 corn and rice farmers in the town of Medina, Misamis Oriental, have received farm inputs assistance through the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), in partnership with the local government unit of Medina.

To help cushion the impact of rising farm input costs, the roster of interventions includes 300 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds (NK 6410 VIP) and complete fertilizers–valued at PhP2.55-million–to the same number of corn farmers. Additionally, PhP63,355-worth of Fertilizer Discount Voucher (FDVs) and in-kind fertilizers (ammonium sulfate and complete fertilizers) were allocated to an estimated 37 rice farmers.

Representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and the focal persons of the Corn and Rice programs during a program turnover were Corn Program Report Officer Richard G. Apare and Rice Program Agriculturist II Ralph Vincent A. Tejada, who both emphasized the agency’s continued support to enhance crop yields and farm productivity, ultimately contributing to farmers’ livelihoods and incomes in the locality.

Apare shared that the support forms part of the agency’s PhP1.8-million hybrid yellow corn seeds allocation for the municipality, with PhP750k allotted for fertilizers alone.

(The DA is ready to help the farmers. We know that more seeds and fertilizers are needed, but if we have buffer stocks, we can possibly provide them as long as there is a letter request endorsed by the mayor with attached RSBSA list of farmers.)

Meanwhile, Tejada, outlined the agency’s support under the Rice program, noting Medina’s part in the PhP1 billion regional budget for rice-producing areas. “Kami sa DA committed to support ang rice farmers pinaagi sa hybrid [rice] seeds, inorganic fertilizers (fertilizer discount vouchers, in-kind), biofertilizers, soil ameliorants, farm machinery and equipment, and irrigation facilities,” the agriculturist said.

(We at the DA are committed to supporting rice farmers through the provision of hybrid [rice] seeds, inorganic fertilizers (FDVs and in-kind), biofertilizers, soil ameliorants, farm machinery and equipment, and irrigation facilities.)

He also encouraged farmers to enroll in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), which is a prerequisite for receiving government assistance. Through this, farmers may also avail of Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance, which provides PhP7k in cash sourced from excess rice import tariffs.

Medina mayor Marriane Lloren Chan expressed her gratitude for the support extended to her constituents, underscoring the importance of both government and community initiatives in pushing agricultural development.

“Karon buntaga, dili lang kini usa ka oportunidad para sa atong mga mag-uuma nga modawat og tabang, kon dili simbolo kini sa paglaum ug determinasyon. Ang kalampusan mag-agad sa atong kakugi, kooperasyon, ug sakripisyo. Dili lang kita maghulat sa unsa ang mahatag sa gobyerno, ato usab buhaton ang atong parte,” the local chief executive said in her address.

([The turnover of farm inputs] is not just an opportunity for our farmers to receive assistance, but also symbolizes hope and determination. Success depends on our hard work, cooperation, and sacrifice. We should not just wait for what the government can offer; we must also do our part.)

Farmer-beneficiary Joseph G. Bajao, president of the 27-membered Cabug Rice Farmers’ Association, conveyed that the support came at a crucial time.

“Daghan kaayong salamat sa DA region, sa probinsya, ug sa lokal nga gobyerno. Lisud magpangita og pampalit sa abono karon. Hinaot unta dili siya [ahensiya] maghunong sa pagtabang sa mga mag-uuma,” Bajao said.

(Thank you to the DA regional office, the province, and the local government. It’s hard to find money to buy fertilizer these days. I hope they [agency] will not stop helping farmers like us.”

The granted production support falls under the Production Support Services funds of the DA’s Corn and Rice programs, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas directive, which seeks to build a food-secure Philippines and a bankable agriculture industry by expanding and improving available agricultural areas for increased production.# (JLO)