DA allocates PhP670-M agri interventions to Lanao del Norte

Tubod, Lanao del Norte – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) has allocated some PhP670-million (M) worth of agricultural interventions for Lanao del Norte this year.

The allocation was presented by the agency, headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan through its banner program focal persons during the Agricultural Extension Workers’ (AEWs) Forum on February 16, here.

Covering the support of the banner programs, the Rice program apportioned about PhP185-M for hybrid rice seeds, fertilizer subsidies, and the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA), while the Corn program allocated the largest share at around PhP189.42-M for the agri-inputs, machinery and equipment.

Meanwhile, the Livestock program has also set aside about PhP9.3-M for production and agri-machinery equipment; the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) earmarked around PhP1.63-M for production and infra support while the Organic Agriculture PhP115K for the organic fertilizer production.

In addition, the DA has proposed 13 road segments under the regular Farm-to-Market (FMR) project, amounting to Php285-M.

During the activity, the agency also highlighted its digital reporting system, which aims to streamline the monitoring and reporting of agri concerns and enable the DA to provide timely and appropriate interventions to farmers in need.

For his part, Lanao del Norte Vice Governor Allan J. Lim expressed appreciation for the DA’s initiative in engaging AEWs. He emphasized the importance of harmonizing efforts among the provincial and municipal governments and the department to drive a more unified action in delivering efficient and responsive services to farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

Attached agencies and corporations of the DA, including the National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), along with the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Lanao Norte, also outlined their priority programs and projects during the forum.

The activity served as a venue to align project priorities and fast-track project implementation efforts aimed at boosting agri-fishery production and strengthening food security in the province.# (MGBS)