Agri-10 supports OP-led vegetable distribution; NorMin farmers earn, Agusan Sur communities benefit

SIBAGAT, AGUSAN DEL SUR — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) backed the Office of the President’s (OP) nationwide vegetable distribution initiative, linking Northern Mindanao farmers to direct buyers while delivering 17.6 metric tons of vegetables to beneficiaries here on May 1.

The vegetables were bought on April 30 in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, through a direct-purchase arrangement implemented with the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), allowing farmers to receive immediate payment by eliminating intermediaries.

Roland S. Maestre, a local vegetable farmer, said the initiative answered long-standing marketing challenges.

“Ang among pamaagi sa pagbaligya sa among produkto diri, muagi pa mi’g middlemen. Sila na hinuon nga wala nag hago, mas dako pa sila’g kwarta sa amoa. Karon nga ang gobyerno naman ang nipalit, makabawi ra mi sa among kahago,” he said.

According to Jiero John D. Dimzon of PMS, the rollout is guided by data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) to prioritize provinces with high food security needs, including Agusan del Sur.

For mobility, DA-RFO 10 deployed three KADIWA trucks, supplemented by two units provided by PMS.

The shipment included assorted vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, spring onions, cucumbers, squash, chayote, and potatoes.
Sibagat Vice Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista welcomed the turnover of provisions, citing inter-agency coordination.

“Even if it’s May 1 and a holiday, the different agencies, especially the DA, sacrificed to ensure this initiative successfully reaches those who need it most,” the local chief executive said.

Beneficiary Sally P. Dinar said the assistance helps meet daily needs.

“Sa una, naningkamot ko isip trabahante, apan karon nga PWD na ko, dili na sayon ang tanan. Salamat kaayo aning mga gulay, dako na kaayo ni nga kabililhon para sa akong inadlaw-adlaw,” he said.

The initiative supports in increasing farmer incomes in Northern Mindanao while augmenting food supply for vulnerable communities in Agusan Sur. # (JPC)