In a significant boost to agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 1 (DA-RFO 1), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), awarded financial grants to key stakeholders in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, and the municipalities of Binalonan and Umingan in Pangasinan.

On December 16, 2024, DA-RFO 1 OIC-Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual, together with OIC-AMAD Chief Ms. Rhoda Galban, handed over the checks to representatives from the respective local government units (LGUs) and a multi-purpose cooperative. The awarded grants include a ₱2.5 million to Laoag City, Ilocos Norte for the procurement of a delivery vehicle and processing facility, accepted by City Agriculturist Engr. Sheila Marie Opelac; ₱5 million to Binalonan, Pangasinan for the establishment of an agricultural warehouse and storage facility, represented by Municipal Agriculturist Ms. Cleofe J. Martinez, along with officials from the Municipal Treasury, Engineering Office, and SB on Agriculture; ₱2.5 million to the Alo-o Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Umingan, Pangasinan for the procurement of a delivery truck to support palay consolidation and marketing, received by Chairperson Mr. Bryan Philipe C. Murao, Cooperative Treasurer, and Board of Directors.

The grants aim to enhance the storage and delivery of agricultural products, improve farmers’ market access, and provide them with better pricing for their produce. The agricultural warehouse and processing facilities will ensure safer and more efficient storage, while the delivery vehicles will address logistical challenges and ensure prompt distribution of food products.##