Over 16k of vegetables distributed to Talakag town through gov’t support

TALAKAG, BUKIDNON – In response to the government’s food security campaign, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), in coordination with the Office of the President and the Local Government of Talakag, facilitated the distribution of more than 16,000 kilos of assorted vegetables to the residents here on May 1.

Talakag was identified as one of the priority beneficiaries of the initiative after reports of the PSA and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) for 2025-2026, indicate that Bukidnon has the highest poverty incidence in Northern Mindanao, with Talakag recording the highest among the towns in the province.

Mayor Renato “Renz” S. Sulatan, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the President and the DA-10, headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan for facilitating the buying of vegetables directly from our farmers.

“Mas dako ilang [farmers] ma income tungod sa tabang sa gobyerno,” the local chief executive said.

The vegetables were sourced from farmers in the municipalities of Talakag, Lantapan, and Baungon, Bukidnon, and consolidated through the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) in Talakag town. Each beneficiary received approximately two kilos of assorted vegetables, benefiting around 9,000 residents.

Locals conveyed their appreciation for the government support.

“Salamat kaayo sa mga grasya nga akong nadawat gikan sa atong Pangulo. Nakadawat ako ug nagkalain-laing matang sa utan. Salamat kaayo nga daghan nagtabang kanato dinhi sa Talakag,” shared senior citizen Raymunda L. Pactain.

(Thank you for the blessings I received from the President. I received different kinds of vegetables. Thank you to those who have helped us here in Talakag.)

“Dako kaayo’g tabang kanamo nga mga pobre kining programa sa gobyerno, ilabi na sa paghatag og libre nga mga utan. Dako kaayo among pasalamat sa atong kagamhanan, ilabi na sa atong Presidente ug sa LGU sa Talakag sa paghatag niining grasya,” Nesto Aluto, another beneficiary added.

(This government program, especially the provision of free vegetables, is a big help to us, who are financially challenged. We are very thankful to our government, especially to the President, [DA-10], and the LGU Talakag for this assistance.)

This initiative underscores the government’s strengthened market linkage efforts, cushioning the impact of rising basic commodity prices by connecting farmer-producers directly to buyers, ensuring better income while providing communities with fresh and nutritious food.# (MGBS)