TAGFA receives the P1-M financial aid under DA’s enhanced Kadiwa program.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed at empowering more farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations (FCAs) to become more reliable food commodity suppliers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office turned over a P1 million financial grant to the Tagpuangi Fisherfolks Association (TAGFA) of barangay Agusan, this city.

On October 8, DA Undersecretary for Consumer and Political Affairs, Kristine Y. Evangelista together with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, handed over the check to TAGFA President, Lilian L. Antigua.

Funded under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program, the assistance is intended for the purchase of the association’s utility van worth P690,000, machineries, and equipment (P210,000), and P100,000 as working capital.

Antigua conveyed, that said aid is of great support in expanding their market and in generating additional income for the association.

CdeO City Councilor and Agriculture Committee Chair Jay Roa Pascual said, that the local government is thankful for the agency’s assistance in alleviating the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in boosting their farming and fishing activities, especially on the marketing aspect which results in more productive livelihoods and sustainable associations.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Agusan Chairman Andrew E. Melliza shared, “In the past, the association struggled on its logistics and transportation, but with this assistance [financial grant] provided by the department, it could help them improve the quality of their agri-fishery products, allowing them to earn more income.”

Apart from farmers and fisherfolk reaping gains, consumers are also eyed to have greater access to fresh and affordable agri-fishery products and other basic commodities through the enhanced Kadiwa program. # (JCAnito)